[2024 National Audit] Jang Hyung-jin, Yeongpung Advisor, Apologizes for Seokpo Smelter Issues... Prevention Measures to "Follow Government Guidelines"

"Sorry, Sorry, Sorry"

Jang Hyeong-jin, advisor of Youngpoong, apologized to the public regarding environmental pollution and serious accident issues surrounding the Seokpo Smelter.

Advisor Jang made this statement on the 24th when he appeared as a witness at the National Assembly's Environment and Labor Committee's audit. He said, "I have always believed that management should be conducted by professional managers, so I retired from Youngpoong in the year I turned 70," but also expressed his apology by saying, "I am deeply sorry, sorry, and sorry to the public and local residents."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Im Eija, a member of the People Power Party, pointed out, "In the absence excuse letter for the audit on the 8th, Advisor Jang mentioned a business trip to Japan and a management dispute at Youngpoong, which indicates that he is the actual owner of Youngpoong," adding, "An apology to the public and residents should come first."

The Seokpo Smelter, operated since 1970 at the uppermost stream of the Nakdong River, is a massive smelter with an annual zinc production of 400,000 tons, ranking fourth in the world on a single basis. It has also caused various problems, including being caught illegally discharging cadmium-contaminated water into the Nakdong River. Over the past 10 years since 2013, there have been 76 violations of environmental laws. Since 1997, 15 workers have died due to industrial accidents.

When Kang Deuk-gu, a member of the Democratic Party, asked, "Is there any consideration among relocation, closure, or improvement for the Seokpo Smelter, which is effectively an environmental pollutant source?" Advisor Jang replied, "No decision has been made yet. This requires extensive discussion with the government, the provincial governor, and the Ministry of Environment," and added, "I will follow the government's direction."

During the audit, criticism continued that despite Advisor Jang having retired nine years ago, he is still effectively exercising management rights and avoiding the Seokpo Smelter issues. Kim Tae-seon, a member of the Democratic Party, asked, "Do you know how many people have died from serious accidents since your retirement?" but Advisor Jang avoided answering by saying, "I do not know exactly."

Assemblyman Kim pointed out, "The public wants to hear an apology and recurrence prevention measures regarding the Seokpo Smelter issues from the actual owner over the past 10 years, but since someone other than the actual owner is sitting in the representative seat, substantial improvements have not been made."

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