“억울한 피해자 없게 하겠다”…가습기살균제 피해자 조문한 기후부 장관

Kim Seong-hwan, the Minister of Climate, Energy, and Environment, visited the Seoul Euljeong-ro memorial site in front of Cheonggye Plaza to express his condolences to the victims of the humidifier incident. The memorial was set up by Park Seo-young, the representative of the Victims' Association for the Humidifier Incident.

Park Seo-young passed away from a sudden pulmonary complication on November 11th, leaving behind a legacy of fighting against the incident from her grave. The Victims' Association has been holding protests at Cheonggye Plaza since November 14th, in memory of Park Seo-young.

Minister Kim expressed his deep sorrow for the loss of Park Seo-young on behalf of the nation and pledged to expedite compensation in accordance with the established procedures. He acknowledged that the existing laws still fall short of the needs of the victims and their families, but he assured that he will do his best to address any remaining gaps.

The revision of the Humidifier Incident Special Special Special Act, passed by the government and Congress this year in March, is based on the judgment of the Supreme Court that recognized the national responsibility for the incident. However, the Victims' Association argues that the revised law does not expand the scope of recognized injury and demands the establishment of a second special investigative committee for the clarification of facts and punishment of those responsible.

The Victims' Association plans to hold a memorial ceremony at Cheonggye Plaza on the 30th, and they have requested a meeting with Minister Kim to discuss their concerns as soon as possible. They also asked Seoul City to allow the installation of barriers and memorials in Cheonggye Plaza. The Seoul City government, citing relevant laws and regulations, has prohibited the installation of barriers and memorials at the plaza.

The Secretary of the Victims' Association, Kim Hyun-su, demanded the government and the companies responsible for the victims' deaths, emphasizing the need for a presidential statement of condolence and punishment of those responsible.