[26.03.26] Safer Industry CEO Apologizes, Safety Responsibility Questions Remain

Safer Industry CEO Issues Public Apology…Silent on Key Allegations Amid ‘Bereaved Family Remarks’ Controversy

📍74 casualties in Daejeon fire…repeats “sorry” on illegal expansion and safety management questions

Amid a factory fire in Daedeok District, Daejeon, that left 74 people dead or injured, Safer Industry CEO Son Juhwan publicly apologized at a joint memorial altar. However, as controversy grew over his inappropriate remarks toward bereaved families immediately after the disaster, criticism continues as he failed to provide clear answers regarding key issues such as safety management responsibility and illegal building expansion.

🔹 Visits memorial altar…repeats “I am unconditionally sorry”

Son Juhwan visited the joint memorial altar set up at Daejeon City Hall on the 26th along with his daughter, who serves as a company executive.

After paying respects to the victims, he read a handwritten apology, stating, “I sincerely apologize to everyone who was hurt by my careless remarks, especially the victims and their families,” while bowing his head.

He repeatedly expressed, “I will do my best to handle the aftermath and compensate the victims” and “I am unconditionally sorry,” delivering a public apology.

🔹 “Apologizing to families individually”…bows again with daughter

Son stated, “I am meeting each bereaved family to apologize,” adding, “That was more urgent, which is why I came here late.”

He also said, “I acknowledge responsibility for all faults,” and bowed again together with his daughter.

However, despite the apology, criticism has emerged that there was a lack of specific accountability or preventive measures.

🔹 Avoids questions on illegal expansion and safety issues

Reporters questioned him about illegal building expansion, inadequate fire safety systems, and lack of preventive measures—factors believed to have worsened casualties.

However, Son and his daughter largely avoided detailed answers, repeating “I’m sorry,” “I don’t remember,” or “I don’t know.”

They strongly denied allegations of ignoring requests for safer working conditions but did not present supporting evidence.

🔹 No clear answers on law firm hiring and facility relocation

Son did not clearly explain why a major law firm was hired.

Regarding the request to relocate production facilities and resume operations after the fire, he repeatedly stated that it was to “earn money and distribute it to employees.”

This led to criticism that the company prioritized resuming operations over victim recovery.

🔹 Daughter claims poor initial fire response

Son’s daughter also sparked controversy by claiming that the fire authorities’ initial response was inadequate.

She stated that despite urgent requests to extinguish the fire on the second floor where people were trapped, proper action was not taken.

However, this remains a personal claim and may lead to further disputes.

🔹 Controversial remarks revealed…public outrage grows

Before the apology, leaked recordings of Son’s internal meeting remarks intensified public anger.

In the recordings, he reportedly said, “The one who came out late died” and used offensive language toward bereaved families.

He also mentioned a victim by name, appearing to shift responsibility onto individuals, drawing strong criticism.

🔹 Key allegations unresolved…focus shifts to investigation

Although this was his first public statement after the incident, criticism remains that key allegations were not addressed.

Issues such as illegal expansion, safety negligence, ignored warnings, and emergency response failures remain unresolved.

Son stated he would “fully cooperate with the investigation,” and future findings are expected to determine legal responsibility and management accountability.

One-line summary : Despite a public apology, controversy continues as the CEO avoided key allegations.