Humidifier Disinfectant Victims' 'State-Led Compensation' Begins... "Compensation Must Not Be Delayed by Corporate Disputes"

Signing Ceremony for Agreement on Compensation for Humidifier Disinfectant Victims
Victims Can Apply to Government for Compensation Without Filing Lawsuits
Companies Pledge to Faithfully Pay Contributions Toward Victim Compensation

Kim Seonghwan, Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, poses for a group photo with humidifier disinfectant manufacturers and raw material suppliers after signing an agreement on compensation for victims of the humidifier disinfectant tragedy at the Coal Center in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 8th. Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment

Victims of the humidifier disinfectant disaster can now apply for compensation from the government without filing lawsuits against the companies.

The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment said on the 8th that it had signed an agreement on implementing compensation for victims of the humidifier disinfectant disaster at Seoktan Hoegwan in Jongno-gu, Seoul, with 15 humidifier disinfectant manufacturers and raw material suppliers. Under the agreement, the companies pledged to faithfully pay their contributions toward victim compensation. Oxy Reckitt Benckiser, SK Chemicals, SK Innovation and Aekyung Industrial were among the participants.

The agreement was prepared to mark the implementation, starting today, of the amendment to the Special Act on Relief for Victims of the Humidifier Disinfectant Disaster, and to express the ministry's and the companies' commitment to faithfully fulfilling their compensation responsibilities. Before the event, attendees observed a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the humidifier disinfectant disaster.

With the full revision of the Special Act taking effect today, a state-led compensation system for victims of humidifier disinfectants is now in place. Those seeking compensation can apply to the government without filing a lawsuit. A compensation review committee under the Prime Minister's Office will decide whether compensation is warranted and determine the amount.

Under the agreement, humidifier disinfectant manufacturers will faithfully pay their contributions toward victim compensation, while the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment will work to secure the budget for government contributions. The two sides also agreed to work together to build a comprehensive chemical safety net covering the entire process, from raw materials to product disposal, to prevent similar disasters from happening again. They also agreed to resolve any disagreements over contributions through mutual consultation within a consultative body.

The agreement is expected to reduce delays in the compensation process caused by disputes, including lawsuits among private-sector businesses over their respective contributions. An official from the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment said, "We expect compensation funds to be secured without disruption, easing the concerns of victims and bereaved families that compensation may be delayed."

Applications for compensation reviews will be accepted for six months, from today through April 7, 2027. Applications can be submitted through the online Comprehensive Victim Support Portal. In-person applications are also available at the support team for the Humidifier Disinfectant Compensation Review Committee in Sejong City and at the Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute in Bulgwang-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul.

The Humidifier Disinfectant Compensation Review Committee will make final decisions on eligibility for compensation and the amounts after examining health impacts and loss of earning capacity, among other factors. The government plans to establish the committee within October.

Detailed compensation criteria and guidance will be released by the end of this year, and individual compensation reviews are set to begin next year. Based on the detailed criteria, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment will estimate the total compensation amount and plans to assess contributions for each business operator in the first half of next year.

Victims approved for compensation can choose to receive the full amount in a lump sum, or receive an initial payment after deducting future medical expenses and have those expenses covered on an ongoing basis. To prevent a financial gap between application and payment, victims who have been receiving existing relief benefits will continue to receive them until they are compensated.

Kim Seong-hwan, Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, said, "I once again offer my heartfelt apology to the victims and bereaved families who have endured years of suffering because we failed to protect the lives and safety of the public. I hope this agreement will reassure victims who are worried that compensation may be delayed."

He added, "I hope the state-led compensation system taking effect on October 8 will serve as a firm foundation for helping victims and bereaved families return to their daily lives as soon as possible. As a party responsible for compensation, the government will do its utmost to ensure that the process is carried out swiftly and transparently."

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