Sixteen controllers competed in theory and practical tests; Kim of Control Center No. 2 earned the highest combined score
Seoul Metro has named Kim Kwon-seo, an assistant manager at its Control Center No. 2, the best subway controller for safe train operations on the Seoul subway network.
The company announced Tuesday that Kim won the title at the 2026 Top Controller Selection Competition, held Monday.
The competition was designed to sharpen controllers' professional expertise and strengthen their ability to respond to accidents and emergencies that can arise during train operations.
Sixteen controllers, selected through preliminary evaluations at each control center, took part. Competitors were tested in two rounds: a written exam covering relevant laws, internal regulations and operational theory, followed by a practical assessment of real-world job performance.
This year's competition drew particular attention for incorporating portable lithium-ion battery fires — an emerging safety threat — into the evaluation scenarios.
Two hands-on scenarios were used to assess controllers' initial response capabilities: one in which a fire breaks out in a passenger car during service and the train must stop at the next station to evacuate passengers, and another in which a train makes an emergency stop inside a tunnel and passengers must be guided to safety.
The core of the evaluation was how quickly and accurately controllers could make decisions and take action in complex crisis situations — managing train operations, coordinating passenger evacuation and working with on-scene personnel and relevant agencies.
Six controllers were recognized as outstanding performers overall. Kim, who recorded the highest score in both the written and practical portions, took the top honor.
Hired in 2022, Kim has served as a train operations controller and contributed to safe train service by responding swiftly and proactively to irregular situations, including smoke from a portable battery inside a train and rescue-train operations.
"Thanks to the encouragement and advice my colleagues gave me while I was juggling work and competition preparation, I was able to achieve something truly meaningful," Kim said. "It was also a valuable opportunity to carefully review relevant laws and regulations and establish clearer standards for on-the-spot judgment."
"I will continue to quietly hold my post and fulfill my duty as a controller who puts the safety of the public first," Kim added.
Controllers are central to subway safety, monitoring and managing train operations in real time and quickly adjusting service when accidents or disruptions occur. In emergencies, a controller's split-second judgment and precise action can directly determine passenger safety.
Seoul Metro said it plans to expand hands-on job training and drills to prepare for a wider range of accident types and emerging hazards.
Na Yun-beom, head of Seoul Metro's safety management division, said repeated training covering diverse scenarios is essential to handling new risks such as portable battery fires on trains. "We will continue to build controllers' expertise and emergency response capabilities so that passengers can ride the subway with confidence," Na said.
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
