Humidifier Disinfectant Victims to Receive Compensation Without Lawsuits Starting October 8

Starting from October 8, victims of the humidifier disinfectant incident will be able to receive compensation through a state-led review process without having to file separate lawsuits for damages.

On October 7, the government announced that it would implement a state-led compensation system for humidifier disinfectant victims, in accordance with the revised "Special Act on Relief and Support for Victims of Humidifier Disinfectants."

With the implementation of this new system, the humidifier disinfectant victim relief program will shift to a compensation structure for damages where both the state and the businesses involved share responsibility. Victims can receive compensation through a review by the Humidifier Disinfectant Compensation Deliberation Committee, without the need to go through a damages lawsuit.

On the 11th, at the intersection near the courthouse in Seocho-gu, Seoul, victims of humidifier disinfectants, their bereaved families, and representatives of civic groups held a press conference after the appellate trial verdict related to the humidifier disinfectant case. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

The compensation will cover damages resulting from health injuries caused by humidifier disinfectants. Covered items include medical expenses, nursing care costs, disability or bereavement compensation, funeral expenses, consolation payments, and delayed interest. For medical expenses, victims can choose to receive a lump-sum payment or to receive a portion upfront and continue to receive payments over time.

Applications for compensation will be accepted for six months, from tomorrow until April 7, 2027. Applicants need to submit the application form and supporting documents to the Deliberation Committee.

Online applications can be submitted through the Humidifier Disinfectant Victim Support Integrated Portal. Applications can also be submitted in person at the Sejong Humidifier Disinfectant Compensation Deliberation Committee support office or at the compensation application desk of the Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute in Seoul. Counseling on application procedures is available at the Victim Communication Center near Seoul Station.

Those who have already been recognized as victims under the previous Special Act on Humidifier Disinfectant can be considered to have applied for compensation if they consent to utilize previously submitted documents online. However, additional materials such as income data and medical records may still be submitted.

The Office for Government Policy Coordination plans to establish the Compensation Deliberation Committee within this month and begin the compensation review process as soon as possible. The head of the Deliberation Committee support team stated, "We will take the circumstances of the victims into full consideration during the deliberation process," and added, "We will do our utmost to ensure that victims and bereaved families receive fair and complete compensation."

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