Lotte apologizes for safety lapses

Executives of Lotte Group bow in apology for the recent safety lapses at the second Lotte World in southern Seoul, Wednesday. From left are Lotte Corp. CEO Lee Won-woo, Lotte Engineering & Construction President Kim Chi-hyun, Lotte World CEO Lee Dong-woo and Lotte Cinema CEO Cha Won-cheon. / Yonhap

By Jung Min-ho

Lotte Group apologized Wednesday for its failure to prevent a series of recent safety lapses at the second Lotte World in southern Seoul.

At the problem-ridden 123-story skyscraper, the CEOs of Lotte Corp., Lotte Engineering & Construction, Lotte World and Lotte Cinema said they are sorry for cracks at its aquarium and vibration problems in the theater, as well as the death of a construction worker in the building on Tuesday.

“We will implement proper safety measures to prevent any similar problems from happening,” they said in a joint statement. “Also, we offer prayers for the repose of his soul and express our condolences to his family.”

The apology came a day after the Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) ordered the second Lotte World to suspend operations of its aquarium and theater amid mounting safety concerns.

The city government also ordered a halt to the construction of a concert hall following the death of the worker, only identified by his surname Kim. He is presumed to have fallen while working. With serious injuries to his skull, neck and left leg, he died while being taken to a nearby hospital.

According to Songpa Police Station, Kim’s co-worker testified that he saw Kim lying on the floor after hearing a dull thud.

Suspicions are increasing that Lotte deliberately did not make an emergency call immediately because, “officials had to discuss how to deal with the media.” It took more than 20 minutes for emergency service workers to arrive at the scene.

Police are now looking into those allegations.

The CEOs said they would try their best to minimize inconvenience to customers and businesses at the building.

Those who already purchased tickets to the aquarium and theater, including yearly memberships, will get full refunds.

After three water leaks were found last week at the nation’s largest aquarium, which holds 4,000 tons of water and 55,000 sea creatures of 650 species, concerns started mounting.

To make matters worse, the company has been accused of trying to cover up the problem, which could cause a massive disaster given that there is a three-story underground 154,000 voltage transformer substation sitting right below the aquarium.

Lotte pledged to conduct a three-day inspection of the aquarium in cooperation with the SMG and outside experts.

As for the vibration issue at the theater on the eighth floor of the tower, the company plans to inspect all its theaters to ensure their safety. Last week, firefighters hurried to the theater after its screen and seating “shook hard.” The theater has been temporarily closed since.

Also, the company said it would strengthen safety education for construction workers.