I am an editorial writer at The Korea Times, focusing on foreign policy, North Korea and domestic politics. My key areas of interest include North Korea, foreign interference in elections, election integrity, cyberattacks and human rights. Prior to joining the Editorial Board, I served as both Politics Desk editor and Culture Desk editor. During my career, I have reported on the Presidential Office under the Lee Myung-bak administration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Assembly.
Lotte World Tower passes safety test
By Kang Hyun-kyung
A safety standards team tasked with inspecting construction of the Lotte World Tower in Jamsil, southern Seoul, said it found no major problems, dismissing concerns about cracks in the concrete of a major pillar that will help support what is to be a 123-story skyscraper.
“The concrete cracks on the mega pillar of the building seem to be the result of heat expansion on the surface caused by welding steel sheets during construction,” said Shin Sung-woo, a professor from Hanyang University leading the task force team, at a news conference held in the Architectural Institute of Korea in Bangbae-dong, Seoul.
“We believe no major problem will arise regarding the durability of the mega pillar in the future.”
Professor Shin advised Lotte Corp. to mend the cracks. The safety assessment team consisted of several architects from the institute.
The interim results came after the team carried out the safety investigation following a request from the corporation. Construction of Lotte World Tower is due to finish in 2015.