Foreign worker doxed by interpreter after fleeing armed threats, civic groups say

Dozens of civic groups joined together to file a complaint Monday with the National Human Rights Commission of Korea seeking an investigation into alleged retaliation against a seasonal worker who fled his workplace after being threatened by a Korean coworker.

The case highlights broader problems in Korea's seasonal worker program, which was introduced to ease chronic farm and fishing labor shortages by bringing in foreign workers.

The complaint centers on a Filipino worker who came to Korea in April to work at a fishing business in Boryeong, South Chungcheong Province.

He fled the workplace last month after a Korean coworker repeatedly cursed at him and threatened him with a weapon.

After he left, an interpreter who helped manage seasonal workers' entry and employment warned his family by text message that he could face deportation, a reentry ban and a fine if caught.

The interpreter also cited his departure to pressure other seasonal workers and their sponsors into notarizing family guarantee contracts requiring a payment of 50 million won ($33,500) if they left their workplace without ...