A fatal accident at an SPC Group affiliate factory has reignited criticism over recurring industrial accidents and fueled a growing boycott of SPC products. Franchise owners of SPC affiliates are expressing concern over declining sales.

On May 19, a female worker in her 50s was killed after being caught in machinery at SPC Samlip’s Siheung factory in Gyeonggi Province. This marks the third worker death at an SPC-affiliated factory in less than three years, following similar accidents in October 2022 and August 2023. Police are currently investigating whether the company was at fault.

As fatal accidents continue to occur, boycott campaigns against SPC products have spread across social media since May 20. Some users have shared lists of SPC brands. Ms. Ryu, a 34-year-old office worker, said, “After the past fatal accidents, I already tried to avoid SPC products, but now I’m going to boycott them more strictly. I think SPC needs to suffer real consequences to change.”

Public anger intensified when it was revealed that the factory where the accident occurred produces the popular “KBO Bread,” a collaboration between the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) and SPC Samlip. One netizen wrote on social media, “This is the factory making those KBO-themed breads. I’ll boycott them even harder from now on.” Others criticized those still buying SPC products, saying, “It’s hard to see anyone buying that ‘blood-stained bread’ in a positive light.”

Franchise owners of SPC affiliates are also feeling the pressure. Many had suffered losses during previous boycotts. “There are no customers today because of the recent accident,” said Mr. A, runs a Dunkin' Donuts store in Seoul, a brand affiliated with SPC. Around 1 p.m. on that day, his 25-seat store was almost empty. He added, “The last time it was even worse. The accident happened in a factory, yet we’re affected just because we share the same parent company. All we can do now is wait and see what action SPC takes.” A staff member at a Paris Baguette store in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, echoed the concerns. “Franchise owners barely get by with small savings and loans. Every time something like this happens, we take the hit directly.”

Convenience stores that sell SPC products are also worried. An industry insider said, “Previous boycotts had a significant impact on sales. Convenience store owners are now anxious about facing similar repercussions.”

Labor unions and politicians condemned SPC. The Korean Chemical, Textile & Food Workers’ Union said, “The government must thoroughly investigate SPC Chairman Hur Young-in as well as SPC Samlip executives for potential violations of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act and ensure they are arrested and punished.”

Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the liberal Democratic Party of Korea, said on social media, “It’s heartbreaking to see the same kind of accident happen again. We can’t keep ignoring a world where people risk their lives just to go to work.” Kwon Young-gook, the presidential candidate from the Democratic Labor Party, said, “There have been 572 industrial accident cases at SPC over the past four years. The Ministry of Employment and Labor must conduct a thorough investigation into potential violations of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act in this case.”