Shaken Ground, Unanswered Questions... "2025 Pohang Earthquake International Forum" Held

Eight years ago, an earthquake shook Pohang. That tremor was more than just a physical vibration.

It was a complex puzzle involving responsibility and truth, science and law. This forum aims to piece together each part of that puzzle.

On the 13th, Pohang City held the "2025 Pohang Earthquake International Forum" at the Poeun Heunghae Library.

Pohang City held the "2025 Pohang Earthquake International Forum" on the 13th at the Poeun Heunghae Library. Photo by Pohang City

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Marking the 8th anniversary of the Pohang earthquake, this year's forum was organized to examine the scientific causes and legal issues surrounding the disaster, while also exploring psychological healing for citizens and ways to restore the local community.

The Poeun Heunghae Library, which has been reborn as a complex cultural and welfare space after overcoming the scars of the earthquake, was filled with more than 300 citizens on this day. The event consisted of a keynote speech and a science session in the morning, followed by a legal session, a comprehensive discussion, and a public healing lecture in the afternoon.

The keynote address was delivered by Kuo-Fong Ma, a world-renowned authority in seismology and Chief Scientist at the Institute of Earth Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taiwan. Based on her understanding of earthquake mechanisms, she presented the latest research achievements aimed at advancing earthquake preparedness policies and disaster response systems.

She is widely known for her research on the 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake in Taichung and, more recently, has been actively conducting studies using Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology to precisely monitor underground faults and micro-earthquakes.

During the science session, Professor Kim Kwanghee from Pusan National University presented on "From Seismic Observatory Background Noise to Improved Earthquake Monitoring Capabilities," discussing ways to enhance the Pohang earthquake monitoring network.

Lee Jinhan, Professor Emeritus at Korea University and Chair of the 2025 Pohang Earthquake International Forum Organizing Committee, delivered a scientific evaluation of the appellate court ruling on the Pohang earthquake, highlighting scientific errors and limitations within the judgment. By providing accurate facts and expert perspectives, Professor Lee helped deepen the scientific understanding of the Pohang earthquake among citizens.

In the legal session, Professor Shin Eunju of Handong Global University outlined the Pohang earthquake damage compensation lawsuit. Professor Jeon Kyungwoon of Kyung Hee University discussed "Legal Issues in Claims for Damages from the Pohang-Induced Earthquake," while Attorney Cho Wonik from Law Firm Logos presented on "Issues and Prospects in Claims for Damages from Induced Earthquakes."

Each expert delved deeply into the legal issues and future challenges regarding damage compensation lawsuits related to the Pohang earthquake from their respective fields.

Afterwards, a comprehensive discussion was held, chaired by Professor Shin Eunju, with participation from Professor Jeon Kyungwoon, Attorney Cho Wonik, and Attorney Yoon Sanghong (Managing Partner at Law Firm Hyesung). They engaged in an active debate on the key issues and outlook for the Supreme Court appeal.

As the final part of the event, comedian Lee Seungyoon delivered a healing lecture for citizens on the theme of "Happiness as Seen Through the Life of a Naturalist." With his characteristic humor and heartfelt stories, he brought laughter and comfort to the audience, emphasizing that "true recovery begins with peace of mind."

Throughout the venue, various side events were held, including trauma recovery counseling, wish lantern-making experiences, and mobile safety education provided by the Gyeongbuk Fire Department. In particular, the safety experience program for children from nearby daycare centers served as a meaningful opportunity to learn the importance of disaster response.

Mayor Lee Kangdeok stated, "This forum was a meaningful occasion to examine the truth of the Pohang earthquake from the perspectives of science, law, and our citizens." He added, "We will do our utmost to help all citizens move beyond the pain of the earthquake, regain peace of mind, and achieve true recovery."

Pohang Earthquake International Forum.

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