A factory worker uses a mobile phone to film a migrant worker tied to a pile of bricks with plastic wrap and moved by a forklift at a brick factory in Naju, South Jeolla Province. Courtesy of Gwangju Jeonnam Migrant Workers' Human Rights Network

A Korean court handed a suspended sentence to a factory worker who bound a Sri Lankan migrant worker to a forklift and hoisted him into the air.

Gwangju District Court on Thursday sentenced the 54-year-old perpetrator, surnamed Jeong, to one year in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered 180 hours of community service. The court also fined the brick factory in Naju, South Jeolla Province, 5 million won ($3,317) for failing to prevent workplace abuse.

Investigators found that on Feb. 26, 2025, Jeong wrapped the 32-year-old victim in industrial plastic film and tied him to a pile of bricks. Jeong then lifted the victim with a forklift and drove him for about 10 meters in the factory yard, claiming the victim struggled with wrapping bricks.

The incident gained widespread attention in July when a rights group, the Gwangju Jeonnam Migrant Workers' Human Rights Network, released a video of the abuse. The footage showed a Korean man berating the victim suspended from the forklift, saying, "Did you do something wrong? You should say you're sorry."

Still image from a video showing a Sri Lankan migrant worker tied to a pile of bricks and hoisted by a forklift at a brick factory in Naju, South Jeolla Province, February 2025. Courtesy of Gwangju Jeonnam Migrant Workers' Human Rights Network

The case sparked public outrage, drawing a strong response from President Lee Jae Myung. Lee condemned the act, calling it "an unacceptable act of violence against minorities and the vulnerable, and a clear violation of human rights."

Explaining the suspended sentence, the judge acknowledged the victim's humiliation and mental anguish but noted Jeong's remorse. The court suspended the sentence because the two parties reached a settlement and the victim declined to press charges. The victim has since found a new job at another factory in Gwangju with assistance from the rights group.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.

Source: Korea Times News