South Korea’s ‘pali-pali’ spirit keeps killing its workers

A factory fire at Anjun Industrial, a car parts supplier in Daejeon, South Korea, killed 14 workers on Friday, highlighting the deadly consequences of the country's "pali-pali" (hurry, hurry) culture. The fire occurred in a factory with known safety issues, including excessive oil vapor and grease buildup, which had been repeatedly reported. Nine of the victims died in an illegally constructed rest area with no escape route. Investigations revealed that the factory had undergone unapproved expansions in 2010, 2011, and 2014, which authorities failed to properly address, creating a dangerous environment for workers. The incident underscores how South Korea's rapid industrialization, driven by a focus on speed, continues to compromise worker safety.

A large fire at a car parts plant in Daejeon, South Korea, has resulted in at least 10 fatalities and 59 injuries. The fire, which produced thick smoke and large flames, prompted a challenging response from firefighters who initially couldn't enter the building due to structural concerns. An overnight search operation commenced after the building was deemed safe, but four people remain missing. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, which appeared to spread quickly through the plant. The incident occurred in the central city of Daejeon.

A fire at a car parts factory in Daejeon, South Korea, resulted in at least 14 deaths and 25 serious injuries on Friday. The fire, which broke out around lunchtime, was contained late Friday night. In addition to the fatalities and serious injuries, 35 people sustained minor injuries, and 28 were hospitalized, with four requiring surgery. The factory is owned by Anjun Industrial, a supplier of engine valves for companies including Hyundai Motor and Kia Corp. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.

A factory fire in South Korea has resulted in at least ten fatalities, marking the deadliest factory incident in the country in two years. The fire forced some survivors to jump from windows to escape the rapidly spreading blaze. The incident occurred at an unspecified factory, the cause of which is currently unknown. Authorities are continuing search and rescue operations, as four people remain missing following the fire. The focus is now on identifying the victims and investigating the cause of the deadly incident.

A fire at a car parts factory in Daejeon, South Korea, injured at least 55 people on Friday, with 24 suffering serious injuries. The National Fire Agency reported the blaze, likely caused by an explosion, broke out around 1:18 pm. Authorities are searching for at least 14 people believed to have been inside the factory when the fire started. The fire destroyed a factory building, hindering firefighting efforts due to concerns about its structural integrity. Firefighters are working to prevent the fire from spreading and to remove approximately 200kg of highly reactive chemicals from the site.

A fire at an auto parts factory in Daejeon, South Korea, on Friday, March 20, 2026, injured at least 53 people, 24 seriously. The fire, reported at 1:17 p.m., quickly spread through the factory, reportedly after an explosion, destroying one building. Authorities are searching for 14 people still unaccounted for who are believed to have been inside the facility when the fire broke out. The cause of the fire is currently unknown. Over 250 firefighters and emergency personnel responded to the scene, working to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading. President Lee Jae Myung has called for full mobilization of resources to support the rescue efforts.

A South Korean cafe's decision to charge 2,000 won (US$1.35) for restroom use without a purchase has ignited controversy online. A social media post displaying a kiosk menu item labeled "restroom use without ordering" sparked the debate. The policy has drawn mixed reactions, particularly within online communities for small business owners. Some commenters defended the fee, citing frequent misuse and inconsiderate behavior by non-customers. Others criticized the charge as excessive and unwelcoming, especially in tourist areas where restroom access can be limited. The debate highlights the challenges businesses face in managing restroom access and costs.