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

“‘Researcher Suffocation’ Hyundai Found to Have Breached 62 Legal Provisions”, 11 March 2025

Following the tragic suffocation of three researchers at Hyundai Motor’s Ulsan plant, the Ministry of Employment and Labour has uncovered multiple breaches of industrial safety laws, imposing a fine of 540 million KRW (£350,000).

The Ministry conducted a special inspection between November 29th and December 19th last year, examining Hyundai’s headquarters, Ulsan plant, Namyang Research Centre, and the subcontractor Gill & S. The results were revealed on the 11th of March.

The inspection revealed that Hyundai had violated 62 provisions of the Industrial Safety and Health Act. Key infractions included neglecting to enforce entry bans for confined spaces, failure to install fall protection in hazardous areas such as work platforms and access routes, and the omission of covers for hazardous parts of machinery like rotating shafts and chains. Furthermore, safety data for hazardous substances was not posted as required, among other violations.

The Ministry stated that 40 of the breaches would result in legal action, with relevant individuals facing prosecution. In addition, 22 violations have led to the imposition of a fine amounting to 54.52 million KRW (£35,000)….

…In a broader inspection conducted last month, the Ministry also reviewed 14 automotive performance testing facilities, issuing corrective measures and recommendations to seven of them.