[Unofficial translation provided by the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre]

“Victim of 'salt farm slavery' file state compensation lawsuit, but government denies responsibility” 10 October 2024

Park, who has an intellectual disability, worked under conditions akin to imprisonment at a salt farm in Sinan County, Jeollanam-do, from July 2014 until May 2021. Enduring labour exploitation with working hours from 3 a.m. to 11 p.m. and restricted outings twice a year under the supervision of a manager, Park finally managed to escape in May 2021.

Following his escape, Park filed a complaint in June 2021 against the farm operator, Mr. Jang (….) However, the labour inspector only acknowledged the operator’s claim (…) and pressured the victim into a settlement, subsequently closing the case.

…In April last year, Park’s side argued that the delay in victim compensation was due to the labour agency's coercion to settle and filed a state compensation lawsuit for 35 million won against the government.

…The state continues to deny any responsibility. In a response submitted to the court in June, the government asserted that it could not be considered that the labour inspector acted intentionally or negligently by failing to confirm the victim’s disability.