KBS Drama Faces Backlash for Depicting Unsafe Work Practices

KBS weekend dramas have once again drawn criticism from viewers for broadcasting scenes that violate safety regulations. The latest controversy involves a scene depicting potential industrial accident risks, following a previous incident in February where a drama aired scenes of illegal environmental practices.

The contentious scene aired on the KBS2 weekend drama 'Splendid Days' on the 24th. In the episode, the character Lee Ji-hyuk, played by Jung Il-woo, is shown working at a construction site after being jilted at the altar by a wealthy bride.

At the construction site, workers noticed Lee Ji-hyuk's silent demeanor. During lunch, he sat among the workers and was offered a bowl of makgeolli, a traditional Korean alcoholic beverage. Despite initially refusing, he was pressured by the workers to drink, leading to a scene where he consumes the alcohol.

Drinking on construction sites is illegal. According to the Ministry of Employment and Labor, alcohol is prohibited on work sites, and employers are required to ensure workers do not work under the influence. However, the drama depicted multiple bottles of makgeolli openly present at the site.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, employers must prevent workers from working while intoxicated. Failure to do so can result in liability and disciplinary action. Most construction companies have strict 'no alcohol' policies in their employment rules and safety regulations.

Construction, manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare are high-risk industries, subject to stringent evaluations. Large construction sites often have breathalyzers on-site.

After drinking, Lee Ji-hyuk attempted to resume work but collapsed and was taken to the emergency room. A fellow worker explained to his friend, Park Sung-jae, played by Yoon Hyun-min, that Lee Ji-hyuk had not slept for days, leading to his collapse after drinking.

Lee Ji-hyuk was holding his safety helmet when he fell, which could have resulted in a workplace accident if he had been injured. Workplace accidents are determined by whether the cause is work-related, not the severity of the injury. Lee Ji-hyuk's situation, where he felt compelled to drink during work hours, could qualify as a workplace accident under the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act.

Courts and the Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service have recognized cases where workers felt pressured to drink, resulting in accidents, as workplace accidents.

A construction company employee noted, "Lee Ji-hyuk was lucky to fall from a low height. If he had been seriously injured, those responsible would have violated safety obligations." If Lee Ji-hyuk had died, it could have led to charges under the Serious Accidents Punishment Act.

KBS previously faced criticism in February for airing scenes of illegal makgeolli disposal in the drama 'Please Take Care of the Eagle Five!'

The repeated airing of inappropriate scenes by a public broadcaster has frustrated viewers. Some expressed outrage over the depiction of alcohol consumption at a construction site, calling it "a potentially deadly act." Others criticized the decision to drink despite the pressure.

Viewers also questioned the portrayal of drinking on the job, with comments like, "Is it appropriate for a public broadcaster to show drinking at work? It's uncomfortable to watch," and "Seeing this makes me wonder if the apartments we live in were built under similar conditions."

By Dayeon Jeong, TenAsia Reporter light@tenasia.co.kr