폐렴만 30번, 걸음걸이까지…그런데 "돈 더 못 내요" (자막뉴스) / Sbs

In 2009, the Koo family in South Korea began using an air humidifier sterilizer for their first-born child. Little did they know that this seemingly harmless device would lead to devastating aftereffects. Their child, from infancy, suffered from recurrent pneumonia, along with abnormalities in the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, as well as walking difficulties. Unfortunately, these health issues are not isolated to their family alone. Countless others have experienced similar horrors, with a staggering 4,300 individuals officially recognized as victims of the air humidifier sterilizer, leading to astronomical medical expenses and a diminished quality of life.

The Koo family's story is just one among many, with a myriad of other ailments stemming from the use of air humidifier sterilizers. The financial burden of treating these illnesses has been partially alleviated by special legislation mandating that the 18 companies implicated in the scandal contribute towards covering medical costs and living expenses. However, with the initial funding of 125 billion won nearly depleted, only 20 billion won remains. To add insult to injury, an additional 13.7 billion won was spent in just one year.

In response to this dire situation, the South Korean government has taken steps to mitigate the crisis. According to regulations, if more than 75% of the initial funding has been used, the government must secure the same amount for further assistance. This has resulted in the decision to collect an additional 21.2 billion won from the responsible companies. SK Chemical, one of the major players, has agreed to pay its share, but the biggest offender, Oxy, has refused to comply and has instead lodged an objection. Oxy is accountable for 54% of the entire funding, totaling a staggering 67.5 billion won.

Oxy's refusal to take responsibility for its actions and the resulting suffering of the victims demonstrates a shocking lack of accountability. Despite legal requirements and the government's attempts to reach a compromise, Oxy remains defiant, adding insult to the already immense injury suffered by those affected. Out of the six companies that have contested these charges, two are major corporations, with Oxy being the most uncooperative. In contrast, Aekyung, another implicated company, has agreed to contribute a portion of the funding.

The South Korean Ministry of Environment has taken a firm stance and has not yielded to Oxy's objections. Despite their refusal to acknowledge the revised payment request, the ministry has reaffirmed the original amount, disregarding Oxy's resistance. Furthermore, the ministry has stated that it is currently reviewing whether Oxy has made any recent payments towards its share of the funding.

The consequences of the air humidifier sterilizer scandal are far-reaching and devastating, affecting countless families across South Korea. The refusal of companies like Oxy to take responsibility for their role in this tragedy only compounds the pain and suffering endured by the victims. It is imperative for both the government and the public to continue to hold these companies accountable and to support the affected families in their pursuit of justice and much-needed financial assistance.

Conclusion: Shattering Trust and Seeking Justice

The air humidifier sterilizer scandal in South Korea is a tragic reminder of the real-world consequences that can arise from corporate negligence. The Koo family's harrowing tale is just one of many stories of suffering and loss caused by harmful products in the market. It is crucial for both the government and society to demand accountability and justice for these victims, ensuring that companies recognize their responsibility and provide the necessary support for recovery. By doing so, we can foster a culture of trust, transparency, and safety, ensuring that such tragedies are not repeated in the future.