Need to Know

• South Korean labor authorities and police searched Daewon Industrial's Cheonan headquarters and Seoul office Sept. 3, seizing computers, phones and other materials.
• Three plant officials have reportedly been formally booked on suspicion of occupational negligence resulting in death or injury, while another company official is being investigated over an alleged safety-law violation.
• Investigators are examining fire prevention, evacuation procedures and the company's safety-management system, but no final cause or determination of responsibility has been announced.

The fire killed three employees. Another worker suffered burns, and a firefighter was injured during the response, according to earlier reporting reviewed by PCI.

The Cheonan branch of the Daejeon Regional Employment and Labor Office said the inquiry will examine possible violations of South Korea's Occupational Safety and Health Act and Serious Accidents Punishment Act. Investigators are focusing on fire-prevention measures, evacuation protocols and whether Daewon had established and maintained an adequate safety and health management system.

Hankook Ilbo reported that police have formally booked three plant officials on suspicion of occupational negligence resulting in death or injury. The report also said one company official was booked over an alleged violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

Being booked identifies a person as a suspect in an investigation. It is not a finding of guilt, and authorities have not announced charges or a final determination of responsibility.

The enforcement action follows joint forensic inspections of the plant involving police, fire officials, the National Forensic Service, the Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency. The most severe damage was reported on the ninth floor, where employees had reportedly been checking a valve shortly before the fire. Those statements have not established whether an explosion preceded the fire or followed it.

Authorities are also reviewing earlier incidents at the facility and whether alarm, evacuation and escape systems functioned as intended. Four fires have been reported at the plant since 2022, including the Aug. 28 incident.

Daewon's product information identifies the company as a producer of fatty acids and glycerin used in synthetic resins, varnishes, inks and other applications. No public company statement addressing the office searches, production status, customer shipments or a possible restart timetable was located as of Sept. 4.

For background, see PCI's earlier report, “Investigation Expands After Fatal Daewon Plant Fire.”

Why It Matters to PCI: The investigation is relevant to readers following paint and coating resins and polymers and safety developments at coatings raw-material facilities.

Investigation source: Yonhap News Agency’s report on the Daewon searches

Company source: Daewon Industrial’s product information

Sourcing note: Daewon has not published an incident update. Investigation details are attributed to Yonhap’s reporting based on information from South Korean police and labor authorities.

The investigation is relevant to coatings manufacturers following paint and coating resins and polymers and safety developments at raw-material production facilities.