Seoul City: 'No concealment' over GTX-A rebar issue, but 'deep apology' to citizens

Seoul City officials have denied accusations that they attempted to conceal problems concerning missing rebar in the construction of the GTX-A subway line at Samsung Station. The city stated that there was "no attempt at concealment" and instead criticized the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) for fueling public anxiety through its inconsistent messaging.

Kim Seong-bo, acting mayor of Seoul, explained at a press briefing that the city's Urban Infrastructure Headquarters initially handled the rebar issue internally, viewing it as a matter requiring expert judgment. However, concerns about delaying the GTX-A line's opening due to the issue led to a report to the acting mayor on April 30. Kim noted that former Mayor Oh Se-hoon's mayoral candidacy registration on April 27 had suspended his authority, preventing him from being briefed earlier.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government's Urban Infrastructure Headquarters had commissioned the "Yeongdong-daero Underground Space Complex Development Section 3" project to the National Railway Corporation, under MOLIT's supervision, in July 2021. Kim stated that MOLIT conducted emergency inspections on April 29 and further assessments with external experts from May 6-8, confirming that the current structure is sound. He expressed frustration that MOLIT raised the possibility of construction suspension, despite no such demand being made during 94 test runs conducted from May 4-19, thereby causing public unease.

Seoul City maintains that despite the missing rebar in concrete pillars, safety has not been compromised. Kim explained that the strength of a basement level 5 pillar, designed for 50,860 kilonewtons (kN), was reduced to 50,695 kN due to the missing rebar. However, applying government-recognized calculation methods results in a strength of 50,9349 kN, which increases to over 60 kN after reinforcement with steel plates. Nevertheless, Kim acknowledged that the situation deviates from the original design and stated the city would consult experts and cooperate with MOLIT's findings. While asserting safety, Kim offered a "deep apology" to the public for causing concern and vowed to hold the construction company and supervisors legally accountable.