Hwaseong: Police said Tuesday they have launched an investigation into allegations that the head of a manufacturing company in Hwaseong, south of Seoul, assaulted a foreign worker by blasting compressed air into his body.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police have questioned the victim, a Thai national in his 40s, over allegations first raised by a local media outlet. The incident reportedly occurred while the victim was bending over a workbench at the plant. The company's CEO allegedly approached him and pressed an air gun against his anus, releasing high-pressure air.

The victim reportedly suffered abdominal swelling, internal organ damage, and breathing difficulties. He underwent surgery at a hospital and is still receiving treatment. Additionally, the victim alleged that the CEO interfered with his medical care and pressured him to return to his home country instead of being hospitalized.

The labor ministry has also launched a joint inspection focusing on industrial safety and labor conditions. Earlier, President Lee Jae Myung ordered police and labor authorities to thoroughly investigate the case. Lee stated, "Violence and discrimination against socially vulnerable migrant workers are grave crimes that cannot be tolerated," emphasizing the need for active measures by relevant agencies and a broader review of human rights violations involving migrant workers.