Busan Underpass Disaster Bereaved Families Sue Busan City... "No Apology, Not Even a Mention"

On the 23rd, firefighters dispatched to the No.1 Underpass near Busan Station in Choryang-dong, Dong-gu, Busan, where heavy rain had fallen, are seen conducting rescue operations. Three people trapped in the underpass due to flooding died that day. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] The families of three victims who died trapped in the flooded Choryang No.1 Underpass in Dong-gu, Busan, due to heavy rain on the 23rd, expressed disappointment with Busan City's response and showed determination to file a lawsuit.

According to multiple media outlets, after meeting with Acting Mayor Byeon Seong-wan of Busan on the afternoon of the 27th, the families felt disappointed and solidified their intention to pursue legal action.

The families reportedly said that during the meeting with Acting Mayor Byeon and heads of departments, they demanded a thorough investigation and punishment of those responsible, but could only feel disappointed.

Among the three deceased, the families of Mr. A in his 50s and Mr. B in his 20s are jointly preparing a civil lawsuit against Busan City, while the family of Mr. C in his 60s is preparing a separate lawsuit.

One family member told the media, "We expected Busan City to sincerely offer condolences first, but at the countermeasure meeting, there was no mention of the deceased," adding, "Even when we met with Acting Mayor Byeon and demanded an investigation, the city responded that they would accept it if we sued, which made us feel they had no interest."

They also expressed frustration, saying, "The Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, who prioritizes people in the current government, only visited the accident site, and the Acting Mayor did not even visit the funeral hall. What exactly were their actions meant to show and to whom?" and "It would have been enough to just hold our hands once, but there was no sincere apology or even mention, which is very insincere."

The families plan to decide specifically on the targets and methods of the lawsuit through further discussions.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.