South Korea’s Serious Accidents Punishment Act (SAPA or the Act), enacted on 27 January 2022, has substantially impacted the country’s legal landscape. Primarily aimed at preventing grave accidents, ensuring accountability, and protecting the lives and well-being of citizens and workers, SAPA introduced significant legal consequences for businesses. The Act places a heightened level of responsibility on business owners, management executives, and corporations to ensure safety in operations and facilities that may pose risks to human health. This elevated accountability applies particularly when these entities fail to adhere to safety measures, leading to human casualties.

The Labor and Employment Team of Dentons Lee wrote an article for The In-House Lawyer Summer 2023. Please check the full text through the link or online pdf.