Cambodian Migrant Worker’s Family Loses Lawsuit Against South Korean Government

The family of a Cambodian migrant worker, Sokheng Sei, who died in a South Korean greenhouse in 2020, has lost their lawsuit against the South Korean government seeking compensation for his death. Sokheng Sei died from a heart attack in a poorly heated greenhouse where the temperature fell below -20°C. The court acknowledged the vulnerability of migrant workers and the government’s responsibility to protect their rights. However, it ruled that the evidence presented by the family was insufficient to establish a causal link between the worker’s death and any negligence by the government. The family’s lawyer expressed disappointment with the ruling and said they are considering an appeal. The case highlights the precarious situation of migrant workers in South Korea, who are often exposed to unsafe working conditions and lack access to adequate healthcare.