Video showing Lankan migrant worker moved by forklift prompts action from South Korea’s president

25 July 2025 03:51 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 10 Bookmark

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South Korea’s president ordered officials to find ways to prevent the mistreatment of migrant workers after a video showing a Sri Lankan worker being moved by a forklift while tied up at a South Korean factory sparked public outrage.

“After watching the video, I couldn’t believe my eyes,” President Lee Jae Myung wrote Thursday in a Facebook post. “That was an intolerable violation and clear human rights infringement of a minority person.”

Lee also condemned the treatment of the worker during a Cabinet Council meeting and expressed concerns about South Korea’s international image. He ordered government ministries to investigate the working conditions of migrant workers and other minorities in South Korea and find realistic steps to end any abuse.

Lee and other officials didn’t say the Sri Lankan worker was treated that way because he is a migrant worker. But the Labor Ministry said it views the incident as evidence that migrant workers in South Korea suffer poor treatment at some worksites, a view held by experts and activists.

South Korean human rights activists on Wednesday released the video filmed at a brick factory in the southwestern city of Naju in late February. They said it was filmed and provided by a fellow Sri Lankan worker. The video was being shared among rights groups before being made public.

Comments - 10

Lanka Friday, 25 July 2025 04:43 PM

At least they have sense of remorse and sympathy and empathy to look after these venerable workers . How many of our people suffer like this or worse than this in some ME countries and yet , our missions don’t talk about it: lucky enough some people get compensation in the ME: but how many of them come and talk about it in fear of repercussions:

2 13

Dr Tissa Fernando Friday, 25 July 2025 11:23 PM

If that happens in a Middle East country, then the perpetrators are punished under Sharia law. Our missions in those countries had actively worked in such cases involving domestic helpers.

13 4

Pusa Saturday, 26 July 2025 07:22 AM

It’s Sri Lanka that should be ashamed for not giving opportunities for its own people!

0 6

Dr Tissa Fernando Friday, 25 July 2025 05:33 PM

Mr President, What about the action against the perpetrators and publishing their names and pictures?

4 8

Aruni Friday, 25 July 2025 05:44 PM

Looks like the president is strong and, upright person

0 14

Dr Tissa Fernando Friday, 25 July 2025 11:24 PM

But no action against the perpetrators.

1 9

Ghost Friday, 25 July 2025 06:03 PM

Has this government taken this matter seriously by any chance?

3 8

Jester Friday, 25 July 2025 08:43 PM

Why was he treated that way during a cabinet council meeting? That's not good at all or the English is not good!

3 2

Ylg Saturday, 26 July 2025 02:32 AM

So sad treating SriLankans like that. Stop buying Korean cars! Better stop doing business with these countries. Do with the USA instead. Respect is basic behavior.

6 2

Gabriella Saturday, 26 July 2025 09:09 AM

Don't jump to conclusions without knowing the facts. Playing pranks on fellow workers is common worldwide. It has nothing to do with racism.

5 4

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