Two months after the fatal accident involving 20-year-old subcontractor worker Kim Seung-mo (deceased), HL Man Do's planned apology press conference was cancelled due to strong opposition from the victim's family. The company released its apology statement and comprehensive safety improvement measures in writing, but executives attempting to attend the press conference were blocked at the entrance by family members and had to leave without entering the venue.
HL Man Do had scheduled to announce an apology statement regarding Kim's fatal accident and a comprehensive safety improvement plan at 4 p.m. on the 21st at its Seongnam Pangyo office in Gyeonggi Province. Vice Chairman Cho Sung-hyun, CSO (Chief Safety Officer) and Vice President Kim Hyun-wook, COO (Chief Operating Officer) Hong Young-il, and others were heading to the press conference venue but faced fierce protests from family members and the Metal Workers' Union at the entrance.
The family side pointed out that while the company held an apology press conference, it had not previously consulted with the family regarding the manner or content of the apology. At the scene, family members raised their voices saying, "If someone has died, shouldn't the family at least feel that 'this is considered the company's fault'?" and "We haven't even been able to hold a funeral for 62 days—did you inform the family about holding this press conference?" They continued, "Do you know how heartbreaking it is to leave a child at the wake and fight for 62 days? Is it reasonable to hold a press conference without having reached any agreement yet?"
The family strongly opposed the company's approach of issuing an apology statement to the media first. The family side questioned, "Shouldn't an apology be made in front of the family?" and "Isn't it basic morality to follow proper procedures so that the family's heart can be softened?" They further stated, "Shouldn't we discuss the content of the apology through consultation with the family?" and demanded that the company halt the press conference and consult with the family first.
As a result, Vice Chairman Cho, Vice President Kim, COO Hong, and others were unable to enter the press conference room and left the scene. The originally scheduled apology by executives and question-and-answer session did not take place.
HL Man Do instead released its prepared apology statement and comprehensive safety improvement measures in writing. The company decided to conduct annual external comprehensive safety inspections by professional institutions at all business sites and establish a special budget for safety-related matters. It also agreed to introduce a "prior action, subsequent reporting" system that allows immediate measures before the existing budget approval process when urgent risks are discovered.
The company also plans to expand its safety organization by establishing a new Safety and Health Department at headquarters and a dedicated Safety Diagnosis Division, while upgrading safety and health departments at business sites to independent safety and health teams. The measures include participation of labor unions in risk assessments, joint on-site inspections by management and labor, safety inspections of subcontractors, and investment support.
Through its written statement, HL Man Do said, "We sincerely offer our heartfelt condolences and apology to the grieving family members." It added, "Rather than viewing this accident as a single incident, we intend to reevaluate and improve from the beginning the safety and health organization, management systems, on-site execution, and investments." However, with the family still unable to hold a funeral even 62 days after the accident and failing to coordinate even the manner of apology, the company's first official apology opportunity ultimately resulted in only a written statement.
in INDUSTRY
