A memorial banner is placed in front of an apartment complex in Daechi-dong, southern Seoul, on March 15, 2023, where a security guard threw himself to his death. The banner was later taken down as residents complaints surged. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, March 17 (Korea Bizwire) — Controversy surrounding the removal of a memorial banner has shed light on the issue of workplace bullying and classism in South Korean society.
The banner, which was hung at an apartment complex in Seoul to commemorate a security guard who took his own life due to workplace abuse, was taken down after residents protested that it would lower property values.
The security guard, an individual referred to only as Park who was in his 70s when he took his own life, had worked at the complex for 11 years and left a suicide note citing “gabjil,” or abuse of power by his superiors, as the reason for his death.
Leaflets blaming “gapjil” were also reportedly posted around the complex, highlighting the prevalence of hierarchical abuse in the community.
This case is just one example of the mistreatment faced by security guards in the country.
According to a survey by civic group Gabjil119, most security guards are subjected to unfair work instructions, interference from residents, and verbal abuse.
The “No Security Guard Abuse Act” was implemented in October 2021 to address these issues, but many guards continue to work under unfair pressure.
A group of apartment security guards hold a rally on March 17, 2023, demanding punishment of a dead security guard’s superiors accused of bullying. (Yonhap)
The case also exposes the deeply ingrained sense of classism in South Korean society, where people are judged based on their jobs, appearance, and living situations.
The fact that the memorial banner was removed in the face of the residents’ protesting because it would lower property values highlights a perception regarding property rights: values that prioritize the worth of one’s possessions over that of human life.
Indirect employment structures and ultra-short contracts, resulting in extremely low job security, are fundamental reasons for security workers’ exposure to tenant/contractor bullying, said Gabjil 119.
The civic group, which was established to solve problems such as workplace harassment and wage arrears, cites these issues as contributing factors to the mistreatment of security guards.
The case of the memorial banner removal highlights the need for further action to address workplace bullying and classism in South Korean society.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
