How many more must die? Stop all offshore rocket launch operations immediately!
– In memory of the worker who lost his life during an offshore launch operation off the coast of Jeju
We are deeply saddened by the news that a diver lost his life on November 10 while working to recover an underwater chain from a space launch vehicle barge. We offer our sincere condolences to the deceased. We also urge a thorough investigation into the incident and the punishment of those responsible, to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.
The incident occurred 5 km west of Marado Island—more than 20 km away from Gangjeong, where the launch pad is visible. The specific cause of the incident is not yet known. A thorough investigation is required to determine the cause, examining not only the weather and marine conditions on the day of the incident but also whether the client and the primary contractor had adequate safety systems in place, and whether they demanded that work be carried out under unreasonable or unsafe conditions.
Furthermore, the military, Hanwha, and the Jeju provincial government—all of whom pushed for the offshore launch—must not remain silent regarding the death of the diver. They must offer an apology to the bereaved family as well as to the residents of Jeju, and provide a transparent account of the truth.
The military has stated that it is pursuing sea-based launches in connection with its overall military capabilities. This marks the fourth time the military has launched a solid-fuel space launch vehicle, following the third launch, which took place off the coast of Jungmun in December 2023. Both the third and fourth launches were for the purpose of deploying satellites.
Hanwha has been involved in the entire infrastructure for sea-based launches—encompassing the production of satellites, launch vehicles, and launch pads. In recent years, the company has publicly declared its intention to transform Jeju into a forward base for the space industry—a hub where the full lifecycle of space operations, from satellite manufacturing and launching to data collection, analysis, and distribution, can take place. Despite opposition from local residents, Hanwha ultimately established its satellite manufacturing space center within a “special groundwater management zone” located in the mid-mountainous region of the island.
Both the Oh Young-hun ex-administration and following Wi Seong-gon-administration in Jeju have presented the space industry—alongside artificial intelligence (AI)—to the island’s residents as a core future growth engine. While both administrations have touted the space industry as a catalyst for job creation and economic growth, even the Jeju Provincial Council has raised concerns regarding its lack of economic viability. Furthermore, the Jeju administrations have failed to inform residents that the space industry is linked to military capabilities—potentially deepening the militarization of Jeju—poses risks of environmental contamination, such as to groundwater and soil, and carries a high danger of explosions and fires. Earlier this year, when reports of offshore space launches began to surface in the media, the provincial government offered no official response. It is no exaggeration to say that the Jeju administration has sided with the military and the conglomerate Hanwha, rather than with the people of Jeju. The Oh Young-hun ex-administration has proposed transforming Jeju into a space industry cluster, while the Wi Seong-gon-aligned leadership has envisioned a “2nd Space Center” centered on offshore rocket launches from Jeju.
In April, 883 individuals and organizations—both domestic and international—joined a collective statement calling for an end to sea-based rocket launches. Then, on June 1, an explosion occurred at the Hanwha Aerospace plant in Daejeon while solid propellant was being handled; the incident claimed the lives of five workers and left two others with injuries ranging from serious to minor. In addition to mourning the victims, a nationwide petition was launched, demanding a comprehensive re-evaluation of the space and defense industries, which pose threats to human life and peace. This petition was delivered to the then-mayoral-elect of Daejeon, Heo Tae-jeong, and the then-governor-elect of Jeju, Wi Seong-gon. Nevertheless, on the final day of that same month, Hanwha attempted to test a solid-propellant space launch vehicle in the waters off Jeju. Although the launch did not proceed due to technical issues with the vehicle, local fishermen—including those in Gangjeong and Daepo—were forced to halt their fishing operations. In Gangjeong, elderly haenyeo (female divers) were encouraged to watch the launch while wearing vests emblazoned with the name “Hanwha.” The military and Hanwha subsequently prepared for another launch in November. A sea-based launch platform, which had been docked at the Jeju Naval Base since February, set sail on the 7th, and preparations for a launch were underway by the 13th.
We ask the military, Hanwha, and the Jeju provincial government: When a diver—a worker—was struggling to breathe in the dark depths of the sea, who was reaping the profits? Who was busy selling a rosy future to the people of Jeju? How many more workers must risk their lives?
When the waters of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve—home to protected soft corals, dolphins, and a myriad of other marine life—are filled with rocket debris, fuel remnants, toxic chemicals, and deafening noise that lead to the death of these creatures; when the groundwater in the mid-mountain regions—the vital lifeblood of the island’s residents—is drained and contaminated for the sake of corporate profit, including that of the arms manufacturer Hanwha; and when the land, its flora and fauna, and its people fall ill under the explosive roar of engine combustion tests—how much more of this suffering will be kept hidden?
How many more must die? The military, Hanwha, and the Jeju provincial government must provide an answer. Halt all offshore launches that drive workers and living beings to their deaths! Disclose the risks of the space industry transparently to the residents of Jeju, and conduct a full-scale review of all related plans!
We demand a thorough investigation into the death of the deceased and the punishment of those responsible! The military, Hanwha, and the Jeju provincial government must immediately halt offshore launches that threaten life and peace! Fully re-evaluate the space industry—including projects like the Hawon Techno Campus—which deepens the militarization of Jeju and invites disaster!
November 13, 2026
Gangjeong Village Residents’ Committee Against the Naval Base, Gangjeong Daily Resistance Action, Gangjeong Friends, People Making Jeju a Demilitarized Island of Peace, People Against the Space Militarization and Rocket Launches, Justice Party (Jeju Provincial Chapter), Jeju Green Party, Inter-Island Solidarity for Peace of the Sea, HotPink Dolphins
Photo by Beodl
A video record of Nov. 13th press conference (By Hwang Yong-woon)
Related article https://newsfield.net/english-46228/
