Pohang Earthquake Was a National Disaster
Joint Statement Calls for Government Accountability and Responsible Response for Victims' Recovery
Ahead of the appellate court ruling scheduled for May 13 regarding the compensation lawsuit for mental damages caused by the Pohang induced earthquake, the Pohang city government and local political leaders issued a joint statement at the National Assembly, urging the court for a just decision and calling on the government to respond responsibly.
On the 24th at the National Assembly, Lee Gangdeok, Mayor of Pohang, Kim Ilman, Chairman of the Pohang City Council, and National Assembly members Kim Jungjae and Lee Sanghui issued a joint statement ahead of the appeal trial for mental damage compensation related to the Pohang induced earthquake. (From left: Chairman Kim Ilman, Mayor Lee Gangdeok, National Assembly member Kim Jungjae, National Assembly member Lee Sanghui) Provided by Pohang City
On the 24th at the National Assembly's Communication Center, Lee Gangdeok, Mayor of Pohang, Kim Ilman, Chairman of the Pohang City Council, and National Assembly members Kim Jungjae and Lee Sanghui delivered a joint statement, emphasizing, "The 2017 Pohang earthquake was a national disaster that completely upended the lives of citizens," and stating, "This appeal trial will serve as a crucial benchmark in clearly determining the state's responsibility."
They also clarified, based on the findings of the government-formed research team, the Board of Audit and Inspection, and the fact-finding committee under the Prime Minister's Office, that the earthquake was not a simple natural disaster but an 'induced earthquake' resulting from insufficient safety management and inadequate response in the geothermal power project.
They went on to say, "The government is denying facts that have already been established during the appellate trial process and is evading responsibility," and added, "We hope the court will clearly recognize the causal relationship between the Pohang earthquake and the geothermal power project, reflect the reality faced by affected residents, and deliver a fair and just verdict."
In the first trial of the compensation lawsuit for mental damages filed by Pohang earthquake victims, the court for the first time acknowledged that the Pohang earthquake was an artificial earthquake caused by the geothermal power project.
At that time, the court ruled that citizens who experienced both the main shock and aftershocks should receive 3 million won per person in compensation, while those who experienced only one event should receive 2 million won each.
Approximately 47,000 people participated in this lawsuit, and subsequently, about 450,000 more joined, bringing the total number of claimants to 500,000 to date. This figure represents 96% of Pohang's total population at the time.
In the joint statement, they stressed, "The state's attitude of evading responsibility is tantamount to ignoring the suffering of citizens," and emphasized, "The government must no longer delay its responsibility and must immediately provide an official apology and establish practical compensation measures."
They also added that in the future, when pursuing similar national projects, the lives and safety of the people must be given top priority.
Finally, they stated, "Pohang has always come together as one to overcome crises," and promised, "We believe that once again, our 500,000 citizens will achieve a just outcome, and we will do our utmost to support the recovery and return to normalcy for our citizens."
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