[Editorial] Thorough Investigation Demanded for 'GTX Rebar Omission' Safety and Reporting Delays

The recent revelation of missing rebar in the construction of the GTX Samsung Station section is not merely a construction oversight; it is a stark indictment of systemic negligence and a disturbing lack of accountability within our city's infrastructure projects. The Hankyoreh has consistently highlighted the importance of public safety, and this incident, involving a critical transportation hub, demands the most rigorous scrutiny.

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The omission of rebar in the GTX Samsung Station section is a serious safety issue that requires a thorough investigation.

The facts are alarming: 2,570 pieces of rebar, totaling 178 tons, were omitted from 50 pillars, yet the construction and supervision companies inexplicably marked the work as complete and satisfactory. This points to a 'total failure' in both execution and oversight. Compounding the issue is Seoul City's handling of the matter. Having been notified in November, the city allegedly delayed reporting to the national railway authority and instead tasked the very company responsible for the shoddy work—Hyundai Engineering & Construction—with rectifying the problem. This decision, prioritizing expediency or perhaps something less transparent over public safety, is unacceptable.

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Seoul City's delayed reporting and decision to have the responsible company conduct repairs raise serious questions about their commitment to public safety.

Mayor Oh Se-hoon's dismissive remarks, calling the risk a 'fake danger that never existed or occurred,' are particularly egregious. Such statements not only betray a concerning 'safety insensitivity' but also demonstrate a pattern of deflection, even leading to legal action against media outlets that reported on the issue. As a public servant, Mayor Oh's first duty should be to address the public's anxiety, not to challenge the validity of their concerns or the reporting that brought them to light. The Hankyoreh insists that a comprehensive investigation is paramount, not only into the construction itself but also into the city's delayed reporting and questionable decision-making processes. The safety of our citizens cannot be compromised by bureaucratic inertia or political expediency.

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Mayor Oh Se-hoon's statement calling the risk a 'fake danger' reveals his insensitivity to safety concerns.