'Gwangju Collapse Disaster' Citizens' Committee Launched... Urging "Truth Investigation and Recurrence Prevention"

"Hidden Truth Must Be Clearly Revealed... Measures to Prevent Underdeveloped Country-Type Disasters Needed"

Task Force to Soon 'Protest Visit' Mayor Lee Yong-seop and Hyundai Development Company

The Citizens' Countermeasures Committee for the Hakdong Disaster held a press conference in front of Gwangju City Hall on the morning of the 8th, urging the truth of the disaster to be revealed and a thorough investigation to be conducted. Photo by Jo Hyung-ju ives0815@

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Jo Hyung-joo] The bereaved families of the 'Gwangju Hakdong Collapse Disaster' urged for a thorough investigation and strict punishment in front of the city hall on the 8th.

The countermeasure committee, composed of eight civic groups including the Gwangju Citizens' Group Council, held an inaugural press conference that day and raised their voices, saying, "The hidden truth must be clearly revealed," and "Institutional improvements must be made to prevent such third-world type accidents from happening again."

The committee pointed out, "If a thorough investigation is conducted into the corruption in the formation and operation process of the redevelopment association regarding the construction company Hyundai Development Company, the role and vested interests of Hyundai Development Company will be clearly revealed."

They also emphasized that structural problems should be inspected in all redevelopment projects in the region in light of this disaster.

Furthermore, the committee condemned, "Before the bereaved families contacted them first, neither Gwangju City nor Dong-gu Office made any contact," and "We even heard that on the 14th of last month, Gwangju City disbanded the TF team set up to support the bereaved families."

Lee Jin-ui, the representative of the bereaved families, said, "The families are still living on June 9, the day of the disaster," and requested, "We hope the police investigation will not end with scapegoating, and that Gwangju City will empathize with the pain of the bereaved families and make efforts for the recovery of the remaining families."

Bereaved family member Han Seong-eun wiped away tears, saying, "I want to know why so many lives passed away painfully without even a scream in that small space where anyone could ride a bus and share a simple daily life with neighbors."

She added, "A meeting between Gwangju Mayor Lee Yong-seop and the bereaved families was scheduled but postponed once," and "A sincere attitude and communication from Gwangju City are urgently needed."

The committee plans to carry out a schedule including this press conference, a meeting with Gwangju Mayor Lee Yong-seop, a protest visit to the Hyundai Development Company construction site, and a visit to the National Police Agency.

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