A South Korean labor expert has called for urgent reforms to improve the working and living conditions of Cambodian migrant workers in South Korea, highlighting systemic issues rooted in global economic inequality. The expert, Son Jeong-sun, drew attention to the tragic case of Nuon Sokkheng, a 26-year-old Cambodian woman who died in a makeshift greenhouse in South Korea in 2020. Sokkheng's death, caused by extreme cold and a ruptured blood vessel, was a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by agricultural workers in South Korea, who are excluded from overtime, night work, and holiday regulations under the country's Labor Standards Act. This case has sparked calls for stronger oversight of the Employment Permit System and expanded labor law protections for agricultural workers, with advocates urging the South Korean government to ensure humane living conditions for foreign laborers. The migration of Cambodian workers to South Korea is a 'win-win' situation for both countries, addressing labor shortages in South Korea and providing employment opportunities with higher wages and better conditions in Cambodia. However, the expert warns that the current system risks exploitation, with young people driven by economic desperation and ultimately exploited, either illegally or through institutional systems. The South Korean government is urged to take action to protect the rights and dignity of migrant workers, ensuring the integrity of the labor system and addressing the systemic issues that contribute to global economic inequality.
