Environment Minister Kim Wan-seop: "Sincere Apologies to Humidifier Disinfectant Victims, Promoting Collective Settlement"

Over 5,800 Victims of the Humidifier Disinfectant Incident
Ministry of Environment Resumes 'Collective Settlement' After Three Years
"Customized Support According to Victims' Circumstances"

Minister of Environment Kim Wan-seop apologized to the victims of the humidifier disinfectant incident, saying, "I am sincerely sorry." He also announced plans to establish a customized collective settlement system for the victims.

Minister Kim Wan-seop appeared at the National Assembly's Environment and Labor Committee plenary session on the 20th and said, "Despite the government's efforts to provide relief and support, many victims and bereaved families are still suffering without resolving their issues." He added, "The government will take moral and legal responsibility and actively pursue more intensive negotiations with the related companies."

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The humidifier disinfectant incident surfaced in 2006. At that time, patients with unexplained lung damage appeared, and after government investigations in 2008 and 2011, humidifier disinfectants were identified as the cause. There are a total of 5,828 victims, accounting for 73% of the 7,983 people who applied for relief after 2011. Currently, relief funds amounting to 272.5 billion KRW have been established, with 22.5 billion KRW contributed by the government and 250 billion KRW by businesses.

The problem is that victims have yet to complete litigation and settlement procedures against companies, as it is difficult for individual victims to win lawsuits against corporations. In response, the government attempted a collective settlement in 2022, requiring the consent of 50% of the victims, but it failed due to significant differences in opinions regarding the settlement amount. Among the victims, there was a conflict between those who wanted a lump-sum settlement and those who preferred ongoing treatment and living expenses.

Minister Kim announced that collective settlement efforts will be resumed after three years. A body involving victims, companies, the government, and the National Assembly will be established to support the settlement, along with securing resources and systems to back it up. He also expressed the intention to support problem resolution according to the victims' circumstances and timing. Victims who wish to receive settlement money will be supported by a reasonable system, while those who want continued treatment will be provided with a stable relief system. Those who do not apply for settlement will continue to receive treatment costs, nursing care allowances, and caregiving expenses.

He emphasized, "We will do our best to help the families of humidifier disinfectant victims return to their daily lives as soon as possible," and requested, "I ask for the National Assembly's active participation and cooperation to ensure that the government's resolution direction is legislated swiftly."

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