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Jeju Police Book Hagwi Nonghyup Managers Over Fatal Forklift Accident

Hong Sun-jun

Published : Jul 7, 2026 3:05 PM


The Jeju Provincial Police Agency, which is investigating the fatal forklift accident that occurred at the Hagwi Nonghyup Hanaro Mart last month, has booked managers of the agricultural cooperative on charges of professional negligence resulting in death.

Police stated that they are examining whether safety management and safety training were properly conducted for the supervisors responsible for the work of Kim Young-gyun, who died while operating a forklift.

They are also investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether the company issued driving instructions and if the work plan required for forklift operations was properly prepared.

On the 19th of last month, Kim was pinned under his forklift after it overturned in the underground parking lot of the Hagwi Nonghyup Hanaro Mart in Aewol-eup, Jeju City. He was transported to a hospital but later died.

Currently, the Gwangju Regional Employment and Labor Office is investigating Hagwi Nonghyup for potential violations of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

The Jeju headquarters of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions and the bereaved family have claimed that the company ordered Kim to operate the forklift despite being aware that he did not possess a license.

A Jeju Youth Candlelight Vigil to commemorate Kim is scheduled to be held tomorrow evening in front of the Hanaro Mart where the accident occurred.