Citizens Journey 400km to Seoul, Urging Supreme Court Ruling on Earthquake Compensation
A determined group of citizens from Pohang has completed a grueling 400-kilometer trek to the Supreme Court in Seoul, culminating an 11-day journey to demand what they deem a “just ruling” in the case of the Pohang earthquake.
Background of the Protest
The march was organized by the Pohang Earthquake Civil Damage Relief Committee (Bumdaebon) to mark the first anniversary of the earthquake damage compensation lawsuit being filed with the Supreme Court. Their primary objective is to secure national responsibility and the restoration of civil rights related to the disaster.
The protestors arrived at the Supreme Court in Seocho-dong, Seoul, on May 29th, submitting a petition that calls for a “just judgment.” The nearly two-week march began on May 19th from Pohang City Hall, traversing through Yeongcheon, Gunwi, Uiseong, Yecheon, and Mungyeong before leaving Gyeongbuk Province. The route continued through Goesan, Chungju, Eumseong, Icheon, Yongin, Suwon, Anyang, and Gwacheon before reaching the capital.
A Demanding Journey for Justice
Participants walked an average of 40 kilometers per day, covering the significant distance. The original plan was for a 14-day march, but the pace was accelerated to conclude within the first week of the Supreme Court’s deliberation period, finishing in just 11 days.
One participant, Hwang Sang-bong, 75, from Pohang’s Haedong-dong, shared his experience: “We started every day at dawn and walked for over 12 hours, covering a thousand li. We persevered with the single thought of needing to inform the public and the Supreme Court of the truth.”
A representative from the Bumdaebon stated, “Pohang citizens are seeking more than just financial compensation; they are demanding recognition of national responsibility and a fair judicial decision.” They added, “We urge the Supreme Court to no longer turn a blind eye to the suffering of citizens and to clearly establish national responsibility through a just ruling.””
The Legal Dispute
The Pohang earthquake case involves a lawsuit concerning compensation for damages. The first-instance court acknowledged a connection between the regional development projects and the earthquake, partially recognizing national responsibility. However, the second-instance court overturned this, stating it was “difficult to acknowledge the causal relationship between the relevant agencies’ negligence and the earthquake,” resulting in a dismissal of the appeal. The case is currently pending before the Supreme Court.
