SEOUL, October 24 (AJP) - The National Assembly Members’ Office Building in Yeouido, Seoul, was filled with citizens on Thursday morning as a forum titled "Pohang, Asking Again: Accountability and Prevention of Recurrence" took place on October 23. Residents of Pohang, victims’ groups, and experts in law and geology gathered to discuss the long-running damages lawsuit stemming from the 2017 Pohang earthquake, which is now under review by the Supreme Court. Many described the moment as "the real beginning."
The event was co-hosted by Democratic Party lawmaker Lim Mi-ae, the city of Pohang, and Aju News Corporation, with support from North Gyeongsang Province and the provincial assembly.
Speakers included attorney Gong Bong-hak, who represents the joint lawsuit filed by Pohang earthquake victims, and Kim Kwang-hee, professor of geological and environmental sciences at Pusan National University. They reviewed the legal and scientific aspects of the case, while citizens called for a clear acknowledgment of the earthquake’s cause and the state’s accountability.
Kang Chang-ho, head of the Pohang 11.15 Earthquake Citizens’ Countermeasure Committee, said many residents still struggle with trauma and financial hardship eight years after the quake. He criticized what he called the government’s passive administrative response during the lengthy legal process.
Lee Kang-bok, a resident of Heungha-eup in Pohang’s Buk-gu district, said, "We still live in a house with cracked walls. Even if it takes time, we need a proper ruling this time."
Another resident, Jang Du-dae from Haksan-dong, said, "If the earthquake was caused by human activity, then the government should take responsibility. It’s time for agencies to stop passing the blame to one another."
During the panel discussion, experts focused on how to prevent similar incidents. They suggested mandatory geological surveys before starting geothermal or renewable energy projects and proposed a government-led risk assessment system.
Professor Kim said drilling in earthquake-prone areas without prior investigation should never happen again and that the state’s oversight must be stronger even during pilot projects.
Attorney Gong added that victims were not seeking large compensation but rather acknowledgment and responsibility from the government.
Participants said the discussion gave them a rare opportunity to speak directly to lawmakers and officials. Many expressed hope that the issue will move beyond debate and lead to concrete policy action.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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