Woowa Brothers, the operator of South Korea’s popular food delivery app Baemin, is on track to top the list of workplace injury claims for the third year running. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Sept. 27 (Korea Bizwire) – Woowa Brothers, the operator of South Korea’s popular food delivery app Baemin, is on track to top the list of workplace injury claims for the third year running, according to data released by the Korea Workers’ Compensation and Welfare Service.
From January to August of this year, Woowa Brothers reported 1,423 workplace injury claims, with 1,368 approved, including two fatalities.
This figure is nearly double the claims and triple the approvals of the second-ranked company, the Korea Coal Corporation, which filed 734 claims with 434 approvals.
The data, obtained by Kim Wi-sang, a lawmaker from the People Power Party serving on the National Assembly’s Environment and Labor Committee, reveals a concerning trend in the gig economy sector, particularly in food delivery services.
Woowa Brothers has held the unfortunate distinction of leading in workplace injuries since 2022, when it reported 1,915 claims with 1,840 approvals. In 2023, the numbers decreased slightly to 1,845 claims and 1,789 approvals.
However, with four months remaining in the current year and a significant lead over its closest competitor, the company is almost certain to maintain its top position for the third consecutive year.
The rise in claims has been steep. In 2019, Woowa Brothers ranked 17th with 168 claims and 163 approvals. By 2021, it had climbed to third place with 991 claims and 947 approvals. The current average of 178 monthly claims in 2024 suggests the year-end total could surpass the 2022 peak.
Experts attribute this surge to the rapid growth in delivery demand and workforce following the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with increased enrollment of delivery riders in industrial accident insurance.
Despite government efforts to expand accident coverage and safety training, the number of injuries remains stubbornly high.
Other delivery services are also seeing significant numbers of claims. Coupang Eats Service and Coupang Fulfillment Service reported 446 and 432 claims respectively in the same period, ranking seventh and eighth. Coupang Eats also reported five fatality claims.
“The paradigm of industrial accidents, once concentrated in manufacturing and construction, is rapidly shifting with recent changes in industrial structure,” Kim said.
He emphasized the need for tailored accident prevention strategies for emerging high-risk sectors like the delivery industry.
Following Woowa Brothers and the Korea Coal Corporation, other companies with high claim numbers include HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Daewoo Engineering & Construction, Hyundai Motor Company, and Hyundai Engineering & Construction.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
