Kim Seong-hwan, the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, visited the memorial for the late Seo Young-cheol, the representative of the National Humidifier Disinfectant Disaster Victims' Alliance, and promised swift state compensation for victims of humidifier disinfectants. However, he drew a line on the establishment of a second special investigation committee, stating that the necessity for such a committee is not significant.
On the morning of August 19, Minister Kim visited the temporary memorial set up in Gwanghwamun Square, Jongno-gu, Seoul. He bowed before the portrait of the deceased and engaged in conversation with the victims. The visit was made at the request of the victims' alliance.
After the visit, Kim expressed his condolences, saying, "I met the deceased at a National Assembly meeting and a few times afterward, and I am saddened to hear of his passing." He assured that the government would fulfill its responsibility regarding victim compensation and additional recognition of damages. Kim stated, "We will ensure that the state compensates promptly according to responsible procedures," adding, "We will do our utmost to prevent any unjust cases for those who have not yet been recognized as victims through re-examinations and other means."
He also left open the possibility of amending the special law for humidifier disinfectant victim relief and support, which passed the National Assembly in March. Victim groups have pointed out that the revised law does not adequately reflect the expansion of the scope of damage recognition and specific compensation criteria.
Kim noted, "While we have amended the special law related to social disasters, if there are shortcomings, we will discuss them with the National Assembly to make improvements." However, he indicated that it would be difficult to incorporate all demands into the law, stating that solutions would be sought through legislation, enforcement decrees, and actual compensation procedures.
He drew a line on the demand for the establishment of a second special investigation committee. He argued that since the responsibility for the chemicals used in humidifier disinfectants and the manufacturing process has already been confirmed, there is no need for a separate body to conduct further investigations.
Kim explained, "The special investigation committee for the Sewol ferry disaster was established due to significant public suspicion regarding the sinking process, but in the case of the disinfectant incident, the responsibility in the manufacturing process has been clarified, and the state's responsibility has also been revealed, so there is no need for additional verification of the truth."
In response, victims expressed their dissatisfaction, stating that questions surrounding the government's response and product recall process following the recommendation to refrain from using humidifier disinfectants remain unresolved. They argue that a second special investigation committee is necessary to expand the scope of damage recognition and further clarify responsibility.
Ryu Yi, a senior advisor to the victims' alliance, stated, "The amended special law does not include provisions to expand the scope of damage recognition, and the demand for a second special investigation committee has not been accepted," adding that Seo had continued to advocate for the voices of victims during his lifetime.
Seo, a victim of humidifier disinfectants, passed away on August 11 at the age of 69 after seeking emergency treatment for pneumothorax symptoms. Since August 14, the victims' alliance has been calling for an official apology from the government, the establishment of a second special investigation committee, and the implementation of recommendations from the first committee.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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