화려한 'K-방산'의 그림자: 수익 극대화와 안전 불감증의 위험한 동행 > K-wave Trends

On the 1st, a tragic explosion occurred at the Hanwha Aerospace plant located in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, claiming five precious lives. Three experienced veteran technicians and two new employees in their 20s who had just taken their first steps into society were caught up in an explosion of unknown origin during a rocket propellant cleaning operation and set off on a path of no return. Immediately after the accident, there were constant cries of sorrow from colleagues and bereaved families at the scene, and the tears of those on their final farewell to see them off clearly proved the weight of the disaster. The sight of a bereaved family holding on to a transport vehicle and not being able to let go is a painful reminder of how our society has destroyed the happiness of many individuals in the name of 'industrial disasters'.

What makes this accident even more unfortunate is the fact that this is not the first such large-scale disaster. Hanwha Aerospace has experienced several explosions in the past and has been criticized for its safety management. What is surprising is that rather than fully realizing its responsibility after the accident and completely revamping its safety system, the company has been engaging in a legal battle, labeling the government's work stoppage order as an 'illegal disposition'. The attitude of the company, which filed a lawsuit for 12 billion won, claiming that the government should be held responsible for the delivery delay that occurred during the 2019 accident, clearly shows the management logic of prioritizing profit and delivery compliance rather than placing safety as the top priority in corporate operations.

The court's judgment was cold. The first trial court ruled that the company was entirely at fault for the accident, based on the fact that the company had neglected safety measures and ignored workers' requests for facility improvement. In particular, the fact that as many as 114 safety violations were discovered during the special inspection conducted immediately after the accident proves how seriously the safety management system at this workplace was broken down. However, the company continues to appeal despite the judiciary's decision and is still busy hiding behind legal logic rather than admitting its fault. Amid this lax sense of safety, workers are being forced into dangerous work sites that put their lives at risk every day.

Meanwhile, at the same time, Hanwha Solutions, another affiliate of Hanwha Group, emphasized ESG management by signing a direct power transaction agreement (PPA) with Nonghyup Bank to supply large-scale renewable energy. It is certainly welcome that companies are responding to the climate crisis and securing green energy. However, it is a great irony that while promoting corporate social responsibility externally by promoting 'carbon neutrality' and 'ESG management', serious disasters that threaten workers' right to life are occurring repeatedly in the field. True ESG management does not simply consider environmental aspects, but must begin with the value of 'S (Society)' that guarantees the safety and human rights of members working in the field.

Workers in the field are appealing that “workers’ safety rights are as important as the company’s profits,” but the reality is still harsh. Due to the nature of the defense industry, there are many tasks that require advanced technology and tension, but the 'quick, quick' production system and insensitivity to safety focused on cost reduction are turning accidents into predicted disasters. Labor unions and experts are emphasizing that this accident is a major disaster typical of an underdeveloped country and are demanding a fundamental change in safety awareness. While companies are intoxicated with the numbers of rising stock prices and export performance, the tragedy is being repeated in the field where workers who were someone's fathers and sons are once again sacrificed.