Death awaits us all. For those left behind, knowing why our loved ones die helps bring closure. For families of a startling number of expats who die in Korea, however, explanations remain elusive. Why are so many of these deaths a mystery?
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Produced by Joe McPherson and Shawn Morrissey
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Unexplained Deaths of Expats in Korea: A Deep Dive into a Growing Mystery
In a troubling trend, a significant number of expat deaths in Korea remain unexplained. From young professionals living on work visas to migrant workers contributing to vital sectors of the economy, many deaths are simply listed as “other,” an euphemism for the authorities’ inability or unwillingness to investigate. We examine the chilling numbers, share real-life cases, and look at the systemic issues surrounding this disturbing trend.
The Unexplained Death of a Bangladeshi Worker
One recent case that has caught the attention of both locals and the expat community involved a 20-something Bangladeshi man who collapsed on the dance floor of a nightclub in Hongdae on May 3, 2023. After leaving the club, he was found unconscious on the street at 2:30 a.m. and rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Despite attempts to perform CPR and no visible signs of foul play, authorities could not pinpoint a cause of death. The incident has raised many questions, particularly as the circumstances surrounding the man’s death remain unexplained. His body will be sent back to Bangladesh for his family to mourn, but the unresolved cause of death speaks to a wider issue of transparency and investigation when it comes to expat fatalities.
Shocking Statistics: Migrant Worker Deaths in Korea
Between 2018 and 2022, over 15,000 expats died in Korea, with a significant percentage of these deaths listed as “other,” meaning the cause was unknown. This is a stark contrast to Korean nationals, where causes of death are more thoroughly recorded, such as cancer, heart disease, and pneumonia. Of the 15,325 expat deaths between 2018 and 2022, 6,771 remain a mystery. For migrant workers, specifically, the numbers are even more shocking. In 2022 alone, 3,340 migrant workers died, with only 214 cases explained and the rest left in the dark. It’s worth noting that these workers often live in precarious conditions and are frequently undocumented, leading to even less oversight and investigation into their deaths.
Why Aren’t These Deaths Investigated?
So why do so many expat and migrant worker deaths go unexplained? For one, the government’s focus seems to be on bringing in migrant workers, not ensuring their safety once they arrive. Once their visa status expires, many workers become “undocumented,” which makes it harder to track them, let alone investigate their deaths. This disregard for their lives is evident in the disturbingly low number of investigations into work-related deaths. In fact, migrant workers are 3.6 times more likely to die on the job than their Korean counterparts.
The National Human Rights Commission of Korea has even investigated the government’s handling of these deaths, but their report concluded that it is “effectively impossible” to obtain information about the deaths of migrant workers from government sources. With the government largely uninterested in the well-being of foreign nationals, many families are left without answers.
A Life of Hard Work and Little Reward
Migrant workers, often working in high-risk industries like manufacturing and construction, are the backbone of Korea’s labor force. These workers take on jobs that many young Koreans refuse, and yet, they face brutal working conditions, unsafe environments, and little protection from the authorities. The government’s failure to track these deaths or provide adequate resources to ensure the safety of foreign nationals in Korea is an ongoing issue. With an increasing number of migrant workers contributing to the economy, the stakes for change are high. Yet, despite their importance, their lives seem to be undervalued.
The Role of Migrant Workers in Korea’s Economy
In 2022, migrant workers made up 3.5% of the total workforce, with many working in factories, construction, and other physically demanding industries. If migrant workers were to leave Korea today, the economy would likely grind to a halt. Despite their vital contribution, these workers continue to face exploitation, unsafe working conditions, and a lack of basic rights. It’s essential that the Korean government addresses these issues and starts taking responsibility for the well-being of its migrant workforce.
What Needs to Change?
For starters, the Korean government must invest in better tracking systems for migrant workers and ensure that deaths are investigated thoroughly. The lack of accountability for migrant worker deaths needs to be addressed, and families deserve closure. Public policies should also be put in place to improve the safety and working conditions of migrant workers. This could include better job training, enforcement of safety regulations, and easier access to healthcare.
The lack of action from the authorities is a disgrace, and it is time for the Korean government to recognize the human cost of its reliance on migrant labor and take proactive steps to protect the people who help keep the country running.