Families of Missing Persons in the 'Gwangju Apartment Collapse' Demand Hyundai Construction Be Excluded from Rescue Operations

Families missing due to the collapse accident at an apartment under construction by Hyundai Development Company in Gwangju are demanding the exclusion of Hyundai Development Company from the rescue operations.

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Cho Hyung-joo] Families of the missing in the collapse accident at the newly constructed apartment in Hwajeong-dong, Gwangju, built by Hyundai Development Company, have requested that Hyundai be excluded from the rescue and search operations.

On the morning of the 17th at the accident site, they stated, “Hyundai Development Company, the apartment contractor, is hesitant and uncooperative in providing the manpower, equipment, and budget necessary for the rescue operations,” adding, “It is like entrusting a murderer with the victim’s treatment.”

They continued, “Exclude Hyundai Development Company from the rescue operations and form a task force of experts at the government level to carry out swift rescue efforts,” emphasizing, “Since Hyundai is responsible for this accident, it should only support the budget and not be involved directly in frontline rescue work.”

Furthermore, they said, “We, the victims’ families, do not want further casualties caused by reckless rescue operations,” and demanded, “Guarantee the safety, sufficient rest, and safety measures for firefighters, search dogs, heavy equipment operators, and workers.”

They also urged, “Since this matter concerns the public’s right to safety, the central government should handle it under the president’s authority and mobilize all government capabilities,” adding, “We have been struck by a sudden disaster, our livelihoods are bleak, and our daily lives have collapsed. Hyundai must present measures to address this damage and take responsibility.”

Additionally, they called on local politicians and civil society to act without hesitation regarding the enormous property damage suffered not only by the families of the missing but also by nearby merchants and residents, and the inconvenience and waste of public funds caused to innocent citizens in resolving this issue.

They also commented on Chairman Chung Mong-gyu’s apology.

They said, “Resolving the situation is the part they must take responsibility for; bowing a few times is just a show and hypocrisy,” criticizing, “They must resolve the situation and take real responsibility; this apology is merely a preemptive excuse for future circumstances.”

They added, “The Hyundai chairman should not evade responsibility or step down but should take full responsibility for resolving the situation and receive appropriate punishment.”