Victim of Humidifier Disinfectant Who Was Fasting with an IV Line... "The Route Has Been Planned"

Fasting Since the 26th of Last Month but Continues to Complain of Dizziness... Stopped Due to Health Issues
Humidifier Disinfectant Victims Complain and Demand Truth Investigation... No Solution in Sight

On the 31st of last month, we met Seo Young-cheol, CEO of Big Teams, who was fasting. He complained of dizziness during the interview. Saying his health was not good and it was hard to show his appearance, he even pulled his hat down.
Photo by Gong Byung-sun mydillon@

[Asia Economy Reporter Gong Byung-sun] The hunger strike protest by victims of the humidifier disinfectant disaster, which began in front of the SK headquarters back gate on the 26th of last month, ended after 13 days. Seo Young-cheol, the representative of the Big Teams, a coalition of humidifier disinfectant disaster victims, was rushed to the emergency room in the early morning of the 6th due to sudden anemia and other health issues. For those who struggled to breathe even with a hose inserted in their nose, this form of protest was never sustainable for long.

By the 5th day of the hunger strike on the 31st of last month, Seo was already in a condition where sitting was difficult. Even when people came to see him, he continuously complained of dizziness. During the strike, he only consumed electrolyte drinks and medicine. Even during the interview, he clutched his chest several times, struggling to breathe.

The hunger strike site was also rundown. Although the nights were still chilly, only a blue tent blocked the wind. Styrofoam and an electric heating pad kept Seo warm. The tent shook every time a bus passed by.

Despite this situation, Seo expressed that he could not give up the hunger strike. He said, “It is so unfair,” and added, “I am crushed by the guilt of having recommended the use of humidifier disinfectants to people around me after seeing that advertisement.”

On the 31st of last month, I met Seo Young-cheol, CEO of Big Teams, who was fasting. Even during his fast, he was taking a large amount of medication. / Photo by Gong Byung-sun mydillon@

He first used a humidifier disinfectant in 2007. At the time, he found it bothersome to constantly clean the humidifier, and the advertisement emphasized the humidifier disinfectant as a ‘smart choice.’ He recalls the morning after he first used the disinfectant. He said, “There was no morning as refreshing as that,” and “I had no regrets about choosing to use the humidifier disinfectant and even recommended it to those who did not use it, thinking they were foolish.”

His lungs began to hurt in 2008. He became short of breath even with slight movement. However, he dismissed it, assuming it was due to his age. But in 2011, when the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suspected humidifier disinfectants as a risk factor for unexplained lung damage, the humidifier disinfectant disaster broke out. Even then, he said, “I thought only young children would be affected by the humidifier disinfectant,” and “I ignored it, thinking it was unrelated to me.”

Nevertheless, when it became difficult to breathe, he went to the hospital. The diagnosis was asthma. His lung function was damaged for no apparent reason. Further tests revealed he also had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and angina. After learning he was a victim of the humidifier disinfectant disaster, more illnesses followed. He currently suffers from panic disorder, depression, and blisters on his hip, among other ailments.

As his health deteriorated, his income disappeared. He used to run a fairly large rabbit farm in Changnyeong, Gyeongnam, but he has not earned money for the past 6 to 7 years. Meanwhile, only debt accumulated. His lifestyle vanished as well. He can no longer participate in his favorite amateur baseball team activities. Although his home is equipped with enough gear to form a baseball team, it has become useless.

On the 7th, victims of the humidifier disinfectant disaster sat down in protest when they were blocked from entering the Mediation Committee located in the Kyobo Life Insurance Building in Gwanghwamun, Seoul.
Photo by Gong Byung-sun mydillon@

Victims of the humidifier disinfectant disaster continue to appeal for damage relief and demand a thorough investigation, but no solution is in sight. On the 29th of last month, it was reported that the mediation committee delivered a final adjustment plan for the relief of victims, but the two companies, Oxy and Aekyung, opposed it. The adjustment plan requires the consent of more than 50% of all victims and all companies to pass.

Seo said, “I am prepared to protest as if I am preparing my own coffin,” and added, “Even if I die, wouldn’t it be a relief if other victims can receive proper compensation?”