Photo of worker before tunnel blast wins top prize at construction labor contest

A photograph titled "Drawing the Moon," capturing a construction worker inspecting rock conditions ahead of a tunnel blast, has won the top prize in the photo category at the 17th Construction Workers Photo and Video Contest. The video category grand prize went to a work cheering for the safety of a family member working on a construction site.

The Construction Workers Mutual Aid Association held an awards ceremony at its headquarters Tuesday. The association reviewed submissions depicting work scenes and the daily lives of laborers at construction sites, selecting 17 winning works across the photo and video categories.

The photo grand prize winner, "Drawing the Moon" by Choi In-su, captures the focus and tension of a worker moments before a tunnel blast. The video grand prize, "Older Sister and Brother Cheering for Their Youngest's Safety on Site," portrays a family's support and hopes for the safety of their youngest sibling working at a construction site. The piece was produced by Son Ye-eun and two others.

Winners will receive a combined 9.8 million won ($7,210) in prize money, along with two awards from the Minister of Employment and Labor, two from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and 13 from the association's chairman. The association plans to release the winning works through its promotional center and YouTube channel.

Association Chairman Jang Geon said every image and frame from the construction site reflects the sweat, effort and pride of construction workers. "We will create diverse opportunities for communication so that the stories of construction workers can reach the public more closely," he said.