Approved cases rose from 8,356 in 2021 to 13,308 last year; 8,281 cases logged through July this year
Kim Wi-sang calls for proactive safety checks and faster compensation
The number of workplace accident claims approved for injuries sustained during commutes rose 62.7 percent between 2021 and last year, with deaths from such accidents exceeding 100 every year — including 74 fatalities recorded through July this year.
According to data submitted to People Power Party lawmaker Kim Wi-sang of the National Assembly's Climate, Energy, Environment and Labor Committee by the Ministry of Employment and Labor, approved commuting accident cases totaled 13,308 last year — up 4,952 cases, or 62.7 percent, from 8,356 in 2021.
The annual figures have climbed steadily: 8,815 cases in 2022, 11,097 in 2023 and 12,124 in 2024. Through July this year, 8,281 cases had already been approved, approaching the full-year total for 2021.
The vast majority of last year's approved commuting accidents occurred during ordinary commutes. Of the 13,308 total cases, 12,878 — or 96.8 percent — involved standard commuting situations, while 430 cases (3.2 percent) arose under the direct control or management of an employer.
Commuting accident deaths have also topped 100 every year: 125 in 2021, 141 in 2022, 128 in 2023, 112 in 2024 and 127 in 2025. A total of 633 workers died in commuting accidents over the five-year period. This year, 74 deaths were recorded through July.
"More than 100 workers every year are failing to make it home while simply going to and from work, which makes proactive safety inspections all the more necessary," Kim said. "We must also overhaul the institutional safety net to ensure swift compensation after accidents occur."
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