Lee apologizes to victims of toxic humidifier disinfectants
President Lee Jae-myung speaks during a meeting with patients and families affected by rare diseases at the Yonsei Cancer Center’s Proton Therapy Center in Seoul’s Seodaemun District, Wednesday. Yonhap
President Lee Jae Myung on Wednesday apologized to victims of toxic humidifier disinfectants blamed for deaths and diseases involving thousands of people, saying the government will define the case as a "social disaster."
In 2011, sales of such toxic sterilizers were suspended as health authorities announced they could cause lung diseases. A special law was enacted in 2017 to compensate victims, and 5,942 people were formally recognized as victims as of last month.
"It was too late," Lee said in a Facebook posting, adding he "conveys condolences and consolation to the victims and their families."
In 2017, then President Moon Jae-in apologized to the victims, but Lee's apology came as the government announced comprehensive measures to compensate and support the victims earlier in the day.
Last year, a court recognized the state's liability to compensate humidifier disinfectant victims or their bereaved families for the first time.
The case gained attention after four pregnant women died of lung disease for unknown reasons in 2011.
"It is hard to fathom how unjust and devastating it must have been to live in a reality where no one was held accountable," Lee said.
"We will fundamentally review the entire system and management framework to ensure that a tragedy like this never happens again," Lee said, stressing the state's responsibility to protect people's lives and safety.