Families of Missing Persons in Gwangju Apartment Collapse Outraged by Chairman Chung Mong-gyu's 'Delayed Apology'

Former Chairman Chung Mong-gyu Visits Families of Missing Persons on 7th Day After Accident, Offers '5-Minute Apology'

HDC Group Chairman Chung Mong-gyu is entering the waiting area for families of the missing near the site of the Hwajeong I'Park exterior wall collapse accident in Seo-gu, Gwangju, on the afternoon of the 17th.

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Cho Hyung-joo] Chung Mong-gyu, chairman of Hyundai Development Company, caused the families of the missing to suffer twice with his 'belated apology.'

On the 17th at around 4:45 PM, Chairman Chung visited the collapse site of Hwajeong I-Park in Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, and offered a '5-minute apology' at the tent where the families of the missing were gathered.

The families of the missing responded coldly, saying, "Are you apologizing only now?"

After the Hakdong disaster on June 9 last year, Chairman Chung immediately visited the bereaved families the next day to apologize, but in this apartment collapse accident, he came seven days after the incident and was heavily criticized by the families of the missing.

One family member of the missing raised their voice, saying, "A week has passed since the accident. Compensation is not the important thing; our lives have been completely shattered."

They also shouted, "We waited for a week, but no rescue preparations were made," and "Either allocate a budget for the accident site or find a way to step away."

Chairman Chung bowed his head and said "I'm sorry" for about five minutes in front of the families and tried to continue speaking, but overwhelmed by the families' fierce protests, he left the family waiting area.

Afterwards, in front of reporters, Chairman Chung said, "I issued a public apology this morning. The reason I came here today is to visit the mayor of Gwangju and, although I have resigned, it is to take responsibility."

Even during Chairman Chung's statement, some merchants and affected family members raised their voices, saying, "Resolve the incident and resign."

Chairman Chung said, "I will take full responsibility and do my best," and "I will do my utmost to handle the accident," before hastily leaving the scene.