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🇰🇷 South Korea /Disasters & Emergencies

Humidifier Sterilizer Victims Demand Mourning Space Amidst City Restrictions

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Ongoing story
  • Victims of the humidifier sterilizer tragedy protested in Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul, demanding the government guarantee a space for mourning.
  • The protest intensified after Seoul City authorities blocked the erection of a mourning altar, citing regulations, leading to the victim's portrait being exposed to rain.
  • Victims are calling for concrete implementation plans for the revised special law on humidifier sterilizer damages, set to take effect in October, and a thorough investigation into the cause and responsibility of the tragedy.

In the midst of heavy rain, the portrait of the late Seo Byung-cheol, a representative of the national humidifier sterilizer tragedy victims' association, sat on his electric wheelchair, exposed to the elements. Beside it lay his urn and a wreath from the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment. The victims' association had planned to erect a mourning altar in Gwanghwamun Square, but Seoul City authorities denied permission for a tent to shield the memorial, forcing them to use an umbrella.

They blocked even the minimal measures to protect the deceased's portrait and urn from the rain, let alone support the mourning.

— Victims' AssociationThe victims' association criticized Seoul City authorities for preventing them from setting up basic protective measures for the memorial.

Seo Byung-cheol, who had suffered from lung disease due to the tragedy's aftereffects, died on August 11 from acute pneumothorax. Following his dying wish to be memorialized through protest rather than a traditional funeral, victims have occupied Gwanghwamun Square since August 14. Their plan for a memorial space was met with resistance from the city, escalating into a sit-in protest.

The victims' association condemned Seoul City's actions, stating, "They blocked even the minimal measures to protect the deceased's portrait and urn from the rain, let alone support the mourning." Tensions flared again on the morning of the press conference as city officials and victims clashed over the installation of a desk for the memorial.

Seo's death is evidence that the humidifier sterilizer tragedy is not yet over. We demand the formation of a second special investigation committee for the humidifier sterilizer.

— Kim Tae-yoonThe head of the funeral committee highlighted the ongoing impact of the tragedy and called for further investigation.

With the revised special law on humidifier sterilizer damage relief, mandating government compensation, set to take effect on October 8, victims are demanding clear implementation plans from the government and the President regarding fair recognition standards and procedures. They argue that a comprehensive investigation into the causes, patterns, and responsibilities of the tragedy remains incomplete. The association plans to establish a mourning site starting August 18 to receive public condolences, vowing to proceed even without city approval.

If Seoul City does not allow the installation of a tent, we will light incense and receive mourners on the bare ground.

— Kim Hyun-sooThe secretary-general of the victims' association stated their determination to proceed with the mourning, regardless of city restrictions.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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