Pohang City and Local Political Leaders Deliver Appeal Letter to Supreme Court Urging Just Ruling on Pohang Earthquake

Mayor, City Council Chairman, and National Assembly Members Deliver Citizens' Voices to the Supreme Court
Express Deep Regret Over Appellate Court's Ruling Ignoring Compensation for Damages
Call for Realization of Justice

Pohang City and local political leaders have delivered an appeal letter to the Supreme Court, urging a just ruling ahead of the Supreme Court's full-scale review of the appeal regarding compensation for mental damages caused by the Pohang induced earthquake.

On June 11, Pohang Mayor Kangdeok Lee, Pohang City Council Chairman Ilman Kim, National Assembly member Jeongjae Kim (Pohang Buk-gu), and National Assembly member Sanghui Lee (Pohang Nam-gu and Ulleung-gun) visited the Supreme Court in Seocho-dong, Seoul. They expressed regret regarding the appellate court ruling handed down by the Daegu High Court on May 13, and formally submitted an appeal letter containing the earnest wishes of Pohang citizens.

On the 11th, Mayor Kangdeok Lee, City Council Chairman Ilman Kim, and National Assembly members Jeongjae Kim and Sanghui Lee visited the Supreme Court in Seocho-dong, Seoul, expressed regret over last month's appellate court ruling by the Daegu High Court, and submitted an appeal letter containing the earnest wishes of the citizens of Pohang. Provided by Pohang City

In the appeal letter, they emphasized that "the 2017 Pohang Earthquake was not a simple natural disaster, but a clear man-made disaster caused by a geothermal power generation project conducted under the responsibility of the state." They pointed out that "countless citizens continue to suffer from psychological pain and trauma to this day, but the appellate court ruling ignored the real suffering of these victims."

They expressed particular regret that while the appellate court acknowledged the earthquake was triggered by the geothermal power project, it denied the negligence of those involved in the project. They criticized this as "an inconsistent conclusion and a decision that runs counter to victim-centered judicial justice."

They also requested that the Supreme Court convene a full bench for a careful and fair review, stressing that this ruling is not only a matter for Pohang citizens, but also a significant issue that will set a precedent for national responsibility and legal standards.

Mayor Kangdeok Lee stated, "The Pohang Earthquake, triggered by geothermal power generation, is clearly a man-made disaster, and citizens are still suffering severe psychological damage. As this Supreme Court appeal is the last opportunity to realize judicial justice, I hope a prudent and fair decision will be made that does not ignore the suffering of the citizens."

City Council Chairman Ilman Kim said, "It is extremely unfair for only the citizens to bear the burden of damage when the government has already officially recognized the induced earthquake. The Pohang City Council will stand with the citizens to the end and take full responsibility to resolve their grievances."

National Assembly member Jeongjae Kim stated, "I hope the Supreme Court appeal will result in a fair and just ruling that reflects the pain and actual damages suffered by the victims. I will never back down from restoring the legal rights of Pohang citizens and supporting their recovery."

National Assembly member Sanghui Lee said, "Although the Pohang Earthquake is clearly a man-made disaster, the court's ruling did not side with the citizens, ignoring the suffering of the victims. I will stand with the citizens to the end to ensure they receive proper protection of their rights."

Pohang City and Local Politicians Deliver an Appeal Letter Urging the Supreme Court to Define the Pohang Earthquake Judgment.

This delivery of the appeal letter is seen as a significant move, urging the Supreme Court to realize substantive justice, as disappointment and anger grow within the local community over the government's lukewarm response and the appellate court's decision, and as the Supreme Court is seen as the last hope.

Pohang City plans to continue multifaceted efforts to respond to the Supreme Court appeal and support citizens, including: ongoing advisory meetings with experts in seismology, geology, law, and social sciences; holding public forums; submitting policy proposals to relevant ministries such as the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy; and strengthening cooperation with the local bar association.