Hanjin chief wasn’t abroad during labor strife: data

Cho Nam-ho, chairman of Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Co., was in Korea for two weeks in July when calls were mounting for him to settle months-long labor strife at his firm, contrary to previous claims by his company.

According to Cho’s immigration data submitted to the National Assembly ahead of a hearing Thursday, the tycoon left for the Philippines on June 17 and returned here on July 13 after visiting Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. He stayed in Korea for two weeks to July 26, then left for the United States on July 27 and returned on Aug. 7.

During the period, Hanjin officials had been saying that the chairman was away for overseas business trips.

While Cho was here, the labor strife at the Busan-based shipyard over massive layoffs escalated to became a public concern. Labor groups and some citizens demanding withdrawal of the restructuring plan held rallies, clashing with police.

At that time, politicians demanded that the chairman return to Korea to tackle the issue himself. Cho had skipped a parliamentary hearing on the matter on June 29, citing overseas business activities.

The tycoon is scheduled to attend a hearing Thursday, where he is likely to face a tough grilling from lawmakers.

On Aug. 10, Cho expressed regret over the prolonged strife, but said he was sticking to the layoff plan.

By Lee Sun-young (milaya@heraldcorp.com)