[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] INCHEON, South Korea — Feb 5, 2026 — HD Hyundai Construction Equipment has taken disciplinary action against a team-level manager at its Incheon plant following an exclusive report by the Kookmin Ilbo regarding allegations of verbal abuse and physical hazing directed at new employees.
The incident occurred on February 2 during a welcoming dinner for newly hired field technicians. According to reports, an intoxicated manager subjected the new recruits to verbal insults and forced them to perform repetitive physical drills—specifically "squat-and-stand" exercises—at a local restaurant. The manager also allegedly made derogatory remarks targeting individuals based on their regional backgrounds.
While the manager reportedly offered a personal apology to the victims the following day, the revelation has sparked significant internal controversy. It was noted that one new employee from the same team has recently resigned, although the company maintains that the departure was for personal reasons unrelated to the incident.
In response to the growing outcry, HD Hyundai Construction Equipment officially relieved the manager of his position and excluded him from all work duties. The case is scheduled to be referred to a formal Disciplinary Committee for further sanctions.
"We have confirmed that inappropriate remarks and actions took place during the dinner," a company representative stated. "Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the company has taken immediate measures. We will conduct a thorough investigation and implement additional steps to ensure such an incident never recurs."
The incident has reignited criticism of "outdated" organizational cultures that persist in certain industrial sectors, even seven years after the implementation of South Korea’s Workplace Harassment Prohibition Act. On anonymous corporate platforms, other employees have called for a fundamental overhaul of the company's internal culture, citing the need for systemic change to prevent further victimization.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
