Forklift Horror: Migrant Worker Abuse Sparks Outcry in Naju

Shock and Outrage in Naju

Did you see that viral video from Naju? A Sri Lankan migrant worker was bound with plastic wrap to a load of bricks and hoisted by a forklift, while colleagues laughed and taunted him at a brick factory in February 2025. The footage spread like wildfire across online communities and news outlets, driving public fury. Naver bloggers like molab_suda and bhjang3 decried the dehumanizing prank, and heartplot.tistory.com explained why this isn’t just a single bad actor, but a symptom of deeper workplace bullying
Have you ever wondered why such cruelty could happen in a country known for its democracy and human rights?

Official Response and Investigation

President Lee Jae Myung condemned the act as an intolerable human rights violation and ordered a thorough probe. Police in South Jeolla booked the Korean forklift driver on charges of special confinement and assault, and the Ministry of Employment and Labor fined the factory 3 million won for labor law breaches. Reports from Chosun Daily, AP News, Korea Times, and Business & Human Rights confirm that inspectors expanded their review to include wage arrears and other abuses. These swift actions signal that the government is taking migrant protection seriously—but will it be enough?

Voices from the Community

Across six Naver and Tistory blogs, readers reacted with sorrow and anger. marxleninkr highlighted how the E-9 visa system can trap workers in vulnerable jobs, while goldjangkkabi lamented that mocking someone’s mistakes shouldn’t lead to physical harm. pakkumi.tistory.com urged that dismissing the incident as a prank only perpetuates a culture of impunity. Meanwhile, community groups like the Gwangju-Jeonnam Migrant Workers Network demanded legal reforms and better grievance channels. Does South Korea’s tech-driven society truly value all its laborers equally?

Cultural Context and Lessons

South Korea relies on over 100,000 migrant workers under the Employment Permit System, yet cultural and language barriers often lead to isolation. Misplaced pride in efficiency and hierarchy can mask workplace bullying, especially against foreigners. International fans accustomed to K-culture must recognize that migrant rights remain a work in progress here. What steps can citizens and netizens take to ensure dignity for all? Sharing stories, supporting NGOs, and pressing for policy change are good starts—because compassion should have no borders.