Four arrested in Gwangju library collapse that killed four workers

Four construction officials have been arrested six months after a structural collapse at the Gwangju representative library construction site killed four workers. The arrests followed a judicial review of arrest warrants on charges of professional negligence resulting in death and violations of the Industrial Safety and Health Act.

Those arrested include the site manager for Hongjin Construction, the CEO and an employee of a subcontractor, and the supervisor. Authorities determined that inadequate site management led to the fatal collapse in December 2025. A preliminary investigation report by the National Disaster Research Institute cited faulty welding in some joints as a primary cause.

The Gwangju representative library project, built on the site of a former incinerator, involved constructing a new underground to above-ground structure. The original plan involved fabricating large steel structures off-site, but due to transportation challenges, the design was altered to assemble smaller sections on-site using welding. This change was made without a reassessment of structural safety.

Construction, which began in September 2022 with a planned completion in September 2024, faced delays due to rising costs, the main contractor's bankruptcy, and the fatal accident. The completion date was pushed to April 2026 after seven revisions to the design and contracts. The Gwangju Metropolitan City Construction Headquarters repeatedly urged the contractor to submit a plan to recover delayed progress.

Under pressure to accelerate the schedule, the construction company allegedly employed unqualified welders and engaged unregistered subcontractors. Four welders involved in the project lacked certifications, and one had not even passed a skill test. Despite a structural engineer recommending a full inspection of 16 joints in March 2025 due to welding defects, the company reportedly ignored the advice, only addressing the specifically identified faulty areas. Workers reported being rushed and using unauthorized methods to speed up welding, with site managers aware of the use of unqualified personnel.