South Korea’s Hyundai Steel implemented a workplace lockout at its cold rolled steel plant in Dangjin, South Chungcheong Province, on February 24.

This facility is significant, generating approximately 4 trillion won ($2.8 billion) in annual revenue. Citing the inability to maintain normal operations under these conditions, management proceeded with the lockout as a legal measure.

This action represents a significant milestone as the first lockout in Hyundai Steel's 71-year history since its establishment in 1953. It also marks South Korea's first major workplace lockout since auto parts manufacturer Mando took similar action in 2012.