Seodaeseok, Mayor of Gwangju Seo-gu, "Will Focus Efforts on Compensation for Apartment Collapse Damage"

Published 09 Feb.2022 11:18(KST)

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Shin Dong-ho] Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, announced that it will do its best to support the funeral procedures for the bereaved families of the collapsed Hyundai Development Company newly constructed apartment and compensate for damages to commercial establishments.

On the 9th at the apartment collapse site, Seo Dae-seok, head of Seo-gu, Gwangju, said, “We will focus the district administration’s capabilities on recovering from the damage caused by the collapse accident at the Hyundai Development Company apartment construction site.”

He began by saying, “First, I pray for the repose of the deceased who lost their lives in this Hyundai Development Company apartment construction collapse accident, and I offer my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. Also, I feel sorry for causing concern with this shocking news to the citizens who are going through difficult and hard times due to COVID-19.”

He continued, “Above all, with the district administration goal of a people-centered Seo-gu, despite various efforts to reduce man-made disasters typical of developing countries, I feel devastated that this accident occurred. Furthermore, as the authority approving the business plan for the Hyundai Development Company apartment construction, I feel an immense sense of responsibility. Our district will honor the souls of the victims who lost their lives in this social disaster and will prepare the funeral procedures for the deceased in close consultation with the bereaved families to ensure nothing is neglected,” he emphasized.

He also promised, “Regarding compensation, we will do our best to provide support that can offer some comfort from the families’ perspective by cooperating with related organizations such as Gwangju Metropolitan City and the Korea Legal Aid Corporation. In addition, for the 146 residents of 110 households of Kumho Highville who unexpectedly became disaster victims due to this accident, as well as about 50 businesses in Kumho Highville and 102 nearby commercial establishments suffering significant damage to their livelihoods, we will make every effort to ensure smooth negotiations with Hyundai Development Company regarding compensation.”

Furthermore, he added, “For the 847 households scheduled to move into Hyundai I-Park, including apartments and officetels, we will reflect the opinions of prospective residents as much as possible to resolve issues such as detailed safety inspections, demolition, reconstruction, temporary housing problems due to delayed move-in, and financial support related to interim payments.”

He concluded, “We will establish a regional architectural safety center and prepare special measures such as strengthening supervision and guidance following the enforcement of the Serious Accident Punishment Act. Through thorough inspections of all construction and building sites in the district, we will create a safe city where citizens can live with peace of mind and workers can work without worry. We will take preemptive actions and inspections to an extent that may seem excessive to fundamentally prevent any possibility of casualties.”