Jihyun Choi of Gwangju City Council: "Urgent Need for Public Health and Environmental Measures After Kumho Tire Fire"

Calls for Pollution Prevention and Resident Compensation in "5-Minute Free Speech"
"Responsible Actions Needed from Kumho Tire and Local Government"

Jihyun Choi, a member of the Gwangju Metropolitan Council, is delivering a "5-minute free speech" at the 332nd regular session on the 16th. Provided by Gwangju Metropolitan Council

As the recovery and damage restoration efforts following the fire at the Kumho Tire Gwangju plant enter their second month, there have been calls for prioritizing measures to protect public health and prevent environmental pollution.

On June 16, during a "5-minute free speech" at the 332nd regular session of the Gwangju Metropolitan Council, Jihyun Choi (Democratic Party of Korea, Gwangsan 1) addressed the Kumho Tire fire, stating, "Before normalizing the plant's operations, responsible actions for the safety of residents and the environment must come first." She strongly urged both the Gwangju city government and Kumho Tire to respond with transparency and urgency.

Choi pointed out, "As of June 10, more than 12,000 cases of damage have been reported, and complaints of headaches, respiratory issues, and skin troubles are still being filed. However, fundamental actions such as information disclosure, health surveys, and compensation for damages, which citizens are demanding, remain insufficient."

She specifically criticized, "Although Kumho Tire uses approximately 4,900 tons of hazardous chemicals annually, information about which substances and how much of them were lost in the fire, and whether they have impacted the air, soil, or other aspects of the environment, has not been properly disclosed. Such lack of transparency is fueling residents' anxiety."

She also noted the upcoming rainy season, stating, "There is a high possibility that incineration ash and debris left at the fire site could flow into the soil and rivers. Preemptive measures to block secondary contamination are urgently needed, going beyond simple restoration."

Choi also raised concerns about the effectiveness of the resident compensation system. She argued, "Damage reports are only accepted from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, making it virtually impossible for working residents or those with limited access to information to participate. Practical improvements are needed, such as extending reporting hours, providing mobile medical support for those with mobility challenges, long-term health monitoring for those requiring extended treatment, and defining affected areas based on weather conditions."

Choi further stated, "Although this fire is not legally classified as a chemical accident, experts are evaluating it as a quasi-chemical accident. Gwangju city must take responsibility not only for identifying the causes and preventing recurrence, but also for restoring health and environmental damages and rebuilding residents' trust."