A subway conductor's toilet break proved costly in South Korea when 125 trains were delayed and hundreds of passengers were affected. The conductor took a four-minute urgent break to use a facility at a station which led to chaos as the other trains had to be rescheduled.

The incident occurred on Seoul’s Line 2 at 8:11 am on Monday. The conductor who was operating a train on the outer loop of the circular route needed to use the toilet and so made an urgent stop at a station. He had to go to another floor to use the restroom.&nbsp;

An engineer watched the train while the conductor used the toilet. He took a total of four minutes and 16 seconds, Seoul Metro said in a statement, according to the Korea Herald.

The stoppage did not lead the other trains to stop, although the break meant that they had to be rescheduled. This resulted in a 20-minute delay for 125 trains that were to follow. Responding to the incident, Seoul Metro said the problem was addressed soon and the passengers did not face many problems.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/korean-metro-calls-chinese-noisy-villains-who-create-ruckus-faces-backlash-778598">Korean Metro calls Chinese 'noisy villains' who create 'ruckus', faces backlash</a>

It stated that a driver who operates on circular lines continues without a break for two to three hours. While they do have portable toilets, they do not suffice in certain situations and the driver needs to use an external restroom.

<h2>People question labour rights</h2>

People were shocked to learn of the working conditions of a subway driver, saying that putting one man responsible for everything goes against labour rights.

“Although train punctuality and passenger safety are top priorities, a structure that requires one person to take responsibility for everything alone will inevitably reveal its limitations in an emergency situation," a user wrote.

They added that emergencies should allow support personnel to take over. This would help things to run smoothly and protect workers’ rights.&nbsp;

Another major concern facing the subways in South Korea is drunk drivers. Recent government data revealed that 33 Seoul subway conductors were caught operating the train while under the influence of alcohol.&nbsp; 
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A subway conductor's toilet break proved costly in South Korea when 125 trains were delayed and hundreds of passengers were affected. The conductor took a four-minute urgent break to use a facility at a station which led to chaos as the other trains had to be rescheduled.

A subway conductor's toilet break proved costly in South Korea when 125 trains were delayed and hundreds of passengers were affected. The conductor took a four-minute urgent break to use a facility at a station which led to chaos as the other trains had to be rescheduled. The incident occurred on Seoul’s Line 2 at 8:11 am on Monday. The conductor who was operating a train on the outer loop of the circular route needed to use the toilet and so made an urgent stop at a station. He had to go to another floor to use the restroom. An engineer watched the train while the conductor used the toilet. He took a total of four minutes and 16 seconds, Seoul Metro said in a statement, according to the Korea Herald. The stoppage did not lead the other trains to stop, although the break meant that they had to be rescheduled. This resulted in a 20-minute delay for 125 trains that were to follow. Responding to the incident, Seoul Metro said the problem was addressed soon and the passengers did not face many problems. Also Read: Korean Metro calls Chinese 'noisy villains' who create 'ruckus', faces backlash It stated that a driver who operates on circular lines continues without a break for two to three hours. While they do have portable toilets, they do not suffice in certain situations and the driver needs to use an external restroom. People question labour rights People were shocked to learn of the working conditions of a subway driver, saying that putting one man responsible for everything goes against labour rights. “Although train punctuality and passenger safety are top priorities, a structure that requires one person to take responsibility for everything alone will inevitably reveal its limitations in an emergency situation," a user wrote. They added that emergencies should allow support personnel to take over. This would help things to run smoothly and protect workers’ rights. Another major concern facing the subways in South Korea is drunk drivers. Recent government data revealed that 33 Seoul subway conductors were caught operating the train while under the influence of alcohol.

How a toilet break delayed over 120 trains in South Korea

South Korea Metro was recently slammed for being racist after an employee responded to an online complaint about Chinese-language announcements in subway stations. On Oct 26, someone complained online about “excessive Chinese announcements” in subways and palaces. To this, a staff member called groups of Chinese people "villains" on the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s website, writing that some of their groups can become noisy and disruptive.

“When two or more Chinese gather together, they can get noisy and make a ruckus, turning into villains,” it said.

It went on to add that announcements asking them to be orderly and conduct themselves well are also needed. “It is necessary we broadcast Chinese announcements encouraging order and good conduct on trains, putting out an enlightening reminder against disorder.”

It further stated that Seoul Metro would look into the "possibility of broadcasting announcements only in Korean and English in the future".

The comments were widely criticised, with Seoul Metro being labelled culturally biased.&nbsp;

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<h2>Seoul Metro vows to improve things</h2>

It quickly responded to mitigate the consequences, issuing a statement and publicly apologising for “the inappropriate language and content regarding Chinese tourists in the response to the complaint”.

Seoul Metro also said that it would hold training for all its employees to avoid such incidents in the future. Those responsible for responding to complaints would receive "special training". Other areas would also be improved upon, including implementing stricter content review processes before public release.

“We will also ensure that the head of the department replies to such complaints, or at least check the content of the responses,” the company said.

It added that it would work to create a "more convenient subway environment" for foreign tourists.&nbsp;

The geopolitical situation between China and South Korea has reportedly led to anti-China sentiments among Koreans. South Korea, under President Yoon Suk-yeol, has strengthened ties with the US and Japan while distancing itself from China.

South Korea Metro was recently slammed for being racist after an employee responded to an online complaint about Chinese-language announcements in subway stations.

South Korea Metro was recently slammed for being racist after an employee responded to an online complaint about Chinese-language announcements in subway stations. On Oct 26, someone complained online about “excessive Chinese announcements” in subways and palaces. To this, a staff member called groups of Chinese people "villains" on the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s website, writing that some of their groups can become noisy and disruptive. “When two or more Chinese gather together, they can get noisy and make a ruckus, turning into villains,” it said. It went on to add that announcements asking them to be orderly and conduct themselves well are also needed. “It is necessary we broadcast Chinese announcements encouraging order and good conduct on trains, putting out an enlightening reminder against disorder.” It further stated that Seoul Metro would look into the "possibility of broadcasting announcements only in Korean and English in the future". The comments were widely criticised, with Seoul Metro being labelled culturally biased. Also Read: Minerals worth $26,290,780,000 found attached to Megalodon teeth near Japan Seoul Metro vows to improve things It quickly responded to mitigate the consequences, issuing a statement and publicly apologising for “the inappropriate language and content regarding Chinese tourists in the response to the complaint”. Seoul Metro also said that it would hold training for all its employees to avoid such incidents in the future. Those responsible for responding to complaints would receive "special training". Other areas would also be improved upon, including implementing stricter content review processes before public release. “We will also ensure that the head of the department replies to such complaints, or at least check the content of the responses,” the company said. It added that it would work to create a "more convenient subway environment" for foreign tourists. The geopolitical situation between China and South Korea has reportedly led to anti-China sentiments among Koreans. South Korea, under President Yoon Suk-yeol, has strengthened ties with the US and Japan while distancing itself from China.

Korean Metro calls Chinese 'noisy villains' who create 'ruckus', faces backlash

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How a toilet break delayed over 120 trains in South Korea

Korean Metro calls Chinese 'noisy villains' who create 'ruckus', faces backlash