Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Alias]

I was living in Seoul last year when it happened. The headlines on the western news sites were "Subway fire kills over 100 in Korea." Since no mention of the city was given I immediately phoned home to let my family know that it happened in another city.

Like other foreign teachers I was surprised how quickly the story disappeared. I still don't know what happened to all those involved. I remember reading a small article in the Herald when the "mentally ill" mad who commited the crime was sentenced. However, nothing about any of the subway officials. Especially the driver who took the key and ran, leaving dozens of passengers trapped.

In a story on Arirang news, they said that the tragedy was a result of human error.

[Gwangjuboy]

What frightens me is the revelation that the mayor of Gwangju took backhanders from construction companies, apparently they wanted to circumvent health and safety regulations. He allegedly took 20 million won. These same construction companies were working on the Gwangju subway, which is due to open in two months. It's opening might be delayed though. If anyone remembers, the Deagu subway fire was not helped by the use of highly flamable materials. Alarm bells are ringing.

[Manner of Speaking]

I wouldn't say it exactly disappeared. Here in Daegu there was a candlelight vigil outside the station entrance for SIX MONTHS, and a great many ceremonies and memorial displays held in city hall. Familes camped out in the burned-out subway station for weeks; lots of demos and public meetings, demo posters describing the mayor of Daegu as "the Terminator". I don't think it will ever be forgotten here.