Former executives involved in the deadly humidifier sterilizer case received a guilty verdict during their second trial on Thursday, overturning the initial acquittal from the first trial. The Seoul High Court issued a four-year prison sentence to both individuals — Hong Ji-ho, the former CEO of SK Chemicals, and Ahn Yong-chan, the former CEO of Aekyung Industrial — but they were not immediately taken into custody.
The charges centered around the manufacturing and sale of Humidifier Mate, a humidifier sterilizer alleged to contain harmful chemicals, during the early 2000s. Those chemical components have been used in the product since 1994, but first gained public attention in 2011 after being linked to reported cases of respiratory illness. As of Dec. 31, data from a portal supporting victims of the humidifier disinfectant case indicates that 5,691 individuals are eligible for support. Among them, the reported fatalities stand at 1,262.
The toxic humidifier sterilizer case has been a long-standing issue in South Korea, causing widespread harm and garnering national attention. The guilty verdict in the second trial represents a significant turn of events for the victims and their families, who have been seeking justice for the illnesses and deaths caused by the product.
The Seoul High Court’s decision to reverse the initial acquittal and impose a prison sentence sends a powerful message about corporate accountability and the consequences of manufacturing and selling harmful products. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent regulations and oversight to protect consumers from dangerous goods.
In conclusion, the second trial of the deadly humidifier sterilizer case in Seoul, South Korea, resulted in a guilty verdict for former executives, signaling a step towards justice for the victims and their families. The court’s decision highlights the importance of corporate responsibility and the need for strict regulatory measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.