South Korean delivery worker industrial accidents surge

Industrial accident approvals for delivery workers in South Korea have increased significantly over the past five years. According to data released by National Assembly member Kim Wi-sang, approved cases rose from 561 in 2021 to 1,516 in 2025.

In 2025, accidents accounted for 88.5% of all approved industrial accidents, totaling 1,341 cases. Disease-related claims represented 6.8% (103 cases), with musculoskeletal disorders being the most common at 84.4% of disease claims. Cardiovascular diseases accounted for 13 cases, and all six deaths attributed to disease in the previous year were caused by cerebrovascular or cardiovascular issues.

Workplace fatalities have also seen a steady trend. Approved death claims were 10 in 2021, 11 in 2022, 11 in 2023, 9 in 2024, and 14 in 2025. As of June this year, 7 deaths have already been approved. Kim Wi-sang criticized existing government policies for being disconnected from reality and failing to address structural causes, calling for practical prevention measures rather than purely regulatory approaches.