Democratic Party Candidates Express Condolences Over Shipyard Death, Stress Safety

Candidates for the leadership of the Democratic Party, Kim Min-seok, Jeong Cheong-rae, and Song Young-gil, expressed their condolences over the death of a worker in his 30s at a shipyard in Gunsan, Jeollabuk-do.

According to Yonhap News on July 25, the three candidates voiced their deep regret over the tragic incident that occurred the previous day, emphasizing the need for rigorous safety management in industrial workplaces.

Kim Min-seok stated on his X (formerly Twitter) account, "Despite the efforts of the Lee Jae-myung administration to eradicate industrial accidents, it seems we still have a long way to go, and I feel a heavier sense of responsibility. I will ensure that safety in industrial workplaces is prioritized more thoroughly."

Jeong Cheong-rae also posted on Facebook, highlighting the necessity for a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident and comprehensive safety checks across workplaces. He added, "The Democratic Party will do its utmost to create safer industrial environments."

Song Young-gil expressed his sorrow on Facebook, noting, "It is still a recurring tragedy that someone who leaves for work in the morning does not return home in the evening." He continued, "As someone who worked in a factory in my youth, I will ensure that safety in labor environments is taken more seriously."

Meanwhile, according to the Gunsan Fire Department, a report was received on the afternoon of the previous day regarding an incident at a shipyard in Bi-eungdo-dong, Gunsan, where a worker's head became trapped in equipment. Emergency responders quickly transported the worker, identified as A, to the hospital in a state of cardiac arrest, but he ultimately did not survive.