Gyeongbuk Governor Lee Cheolwoo: "7 Years After Pohang Earthquake, the State Must Apologize and Compensate Swiftly"

Expresses Position via Facebook
Hopes for Wise Judgment in Appellate Court

Lee Cheolwoo, Governor of Gyeongbuk, stated on the 12th, "The government should apologize for the earthquake damage in Pohang and provide compensation as soon as possible."

On this day, Governor Lee wrote on Facebook, "It has been 7 years and 6 months since the Pohang earthquake occurred, and more than 6 years have passed since the investigation concluded that it was an artificially induced earthquake. However, it is shameful that the state, which should have comforted and stabilized the affected residents, is still engaged in lawsuits with them."

Lee Cheolwoo Governor of Gyeongbuk

Governor Lee continued, "I lived in Pohang for four years raising my child, so the earthquake felt very personal and caused me great pain. At the time, as a member of the National Assembly's Industry, Trade, and Energy Committee, I worked behind the scenes for recovery and relief efforts, and although I have never mentioned this before, I also donated 10 million won. After becoming the Governor of Gyeongbuk, I have been busy working to establish special laws and countermeasures."

He added, "Together with the Mayor of Pohang and Pohang's National Assembly members, I visited the Blue House during the Moon Jaein administration and met with the Chief Presidential Secretary, Chief Policy Secretary, Senior Secretary for Political Affairs, and Senior Secretary for Economic Affairs. I also met with National Assembly Speaker Moon Heesang and the floor leaders of five political parties to strongly urge for disaster countermeasures and the enactment of special legislation. I have also continuously called on the government for solutions, including making suggestions to President Yoon Sukyeol since his candidacy."

Governor Lee said, "In 2019, I personally apologized to the citizens of Pohang. Although the earthquake did not occur during my term, I felt a sense of responsibility as a public official and offered a sincere apology. Now, I urge the government not to delay any longer, to sincerely apologize to the citizens of Pohang who are suffering from trauma, and to provide swift compensation."

Finally, Governor Lee expressed his hope that "a wise judgment will be made by the judiciary in the appellate trial on the 13th, bringing the lawsuit to an end so that our citizens of Pohang can receive just compensation and comfort."