Lao Ministry Addresses Death of Worker in South Korea

Vientiane: The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare has clarified the circumstances surrounding the death of a Lao seasonal worker in the Republic of Korea, urging the public and media to rely on verified information from official sources while an investigation into the case is underway. According to Lao News Agency, the deceased was Ms. Li Veui Cheungcha, 39, a resident of Noy Village, Pek District, Xieng Khouang Province. Ms. Li travelled to the Republic of Korea on August 5, 2026, under a seasonal worker programme. She was found dead on August 8, three days after her arrival, following an incident whose circumstances are currently being investigated. Upon receiving information about the case, the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare took immediate action and began coordinating with the Embassy of the Lao PDR in the Republic of Korea and relevant authorities to facilitate the necessary procedures for repatriating her remains to Laos. The ministry said the repatriation will enable her family to bring her remains back to her hometown and conduct funeral rites in accordance with traditional customs. Meanwhile, relevant authorities in the Republic of Korea are conducting an investigation to establish the circumstances and official cause of death. The Lao ministry said it is closely monitoring the case and will continue to coordinate with the relevant authorities. The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare has called on the public, media organisations, and social media users to exercise caution when sharing information about the case and to rely only on official information released by the ministry and the Embassy of the Lao PDR in the Republic of Korea. The ministry has also urged the public to refrain from circulating unverified reports, speculation, or information concerning the circumstances of the death, stressing that such information could affect the ongoing investigation and cause additional distress to the deceased's family. The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare said it will provide further informa tion to the public once additional official findings or relevant information are received from the authorities of the Republic of Korea.