Pohang City Deeply Regrets Ruling Ignoring Citizens' Suffering... Expects Just Decision from Supreme Court

Appellate Court Overturns First Trial, Denies State Liability for Pohang Induced Earthquake
Lee Kangdeok: "Regretful Ruling, Will Stand by Citizens Until Full Recovery"

On May 13, the Daegu High Court dismissed the citizens' claims in the appellate ruling on compensation for psychological damage caused by the Pohang induced earthquake, reaching a decision that did not recognize the responsibility of the state, in contrast to the first trial.

Kangdeok Lee, mayor of Pohang, expressed his deep regret in the city hall briefing room that day, stating, "I deeply regret the judgment that ignored the suffering and damage experienced by citizens due to the earthquake," and added, "This ruling does not adequately reflect the pain and wounds that citizens have endured over the past seven years."

Kangdeok Lee, mayor of Pohang, is announcing a statement regarding the appellate court ruling on compensation for psychological damage caused by the Pohang induced earthquake at the city hall on the 13th. Provided by Pohang City

The Pohang earthquake, which occurred on November 15, 2017, was officially identified by the government investigation team as an 'induced earthquake' triggered by the geothermal power project.

The Board of Audit and Inspection also pointed out 20 illegal or unjust acts, including insufficient response and poor management. The Pohang Earthquake Fact-Finding Committee, under the Prime Minister’s Office, requested a prosecution investigation into the main responsible agencies, resulting in the indictment of geothermal power project officials on charges of occupational negligence causing death or injury.

Mayor Lee stated, "Given that the government itself has acknowledged the causal relationship between the geothermal power project and the earthquake in multiple investigations, the appellate court’s decision to deny state responsibility on the grounds that it is difficult to see the earthquake as being triggered by negligence contradicts both common sense and the public’s sense of justice," expressing his regret.

He further said, "It is difficult to accept that the state’s negligence and the psychological damage to citizens, which were recognized in the first trial, have been overturned in the appellate court. Although today’s outcome is disappointing, as there is still an opportunity for a final judgment by the Supreme Court, I hope the court will render a fair and just decision that fully reflects the facts revealed so far and the suffering of the affected residents."

Mayor Lee emphasized, "Regardless of the appellate ruling, the government cannot be free from its moral responsibility to the citizens. The government must promptly prepare substantial measures for recovery, including for those citizens who were unable to join the lawsuit, along with an official apology."

In the first trial ruling delivered on November 16 last year, the court for the first time recognized that the Pohang earthquake was an induced earthquake caused by the national geothermal power project, and ordered compensation of 2 to 3 million won per citizen. Since then, about 500,000 citizens have participated in the class action, awaiting a legal decision.

Lee Jinhan, an honorary professor at Korea University who has made significant contributions to identifying the cause of the Pohang earthquake, commented on the ruling, saying, "It is very regrettable that, despite the Board of Audit and Inspection and the Fact-Finding Committee under the Prime Minister’s Office recognizing the responsibility of the business operator due to poor management, and numerous papers published in international academic journals sufficiently stating the operator’s responsibility, such a ruling has been made."

Pohang City plans to continue urging the government and the National Assembly to promote related legislation for collective compensation for psychological damage caused by the Pohang induced earthquake, in parallel with the Supreme Court’s judgment. In addition, the city will continue its efforts, together with citizens, to uncover the truth and to achieve recovery and justice for the victims without wavering.