The city of Pohang in North Gyeongsang Province said Friday it will do everything in its power to help residents recover from damages caused by the 2017 induced earthquake, regardless of the outcome of a criminal trial.

The criminal division of the Pohang Branch of the Daegu District Court acquitted all five defendants on charges including professional negligence resulting in death in connection with a geothermal power project linked to the earthquake.

Pohang Mayor Park Yong-seon said the hardships that residents and the broader community have endured since the 2017 induced earthquake remain an important challenge that must be addressed together. "We will listen closely to the voices of those affected and continue working toward meaningful recovery and the protection of their rights," he said.

Park also expressed hope that the Supreme Court, in its ongoing civil appeal, would carefully examine the causal link between the induced earthquake and the geothermal power project and deliver "a warm and thoughtful ruling that reflects the difficulties of the affected residents." He added that the city would do its utmost to provide support within the scope of what an administrative body can do, drawing on advice from legal experts.

Meanwhile, a civil lawsuit filed by earthquake victims against the state and others seeking compensation for emotional distress is currently before the Supreme Court on appeal.

In November 2023, the first-instance court recognized a causal link between the geothermal power project and the induced earthquake, ruling partially in favor of the plaintiffs and ordering compensation of 2 million to 3 million won ($2,040) per person. In May last year, however, the appellate court ruled against the plaintiffs, finding that negligence and causation had not been sufficiently proven.

The plaintiffs subsequently appealed to the Supreme Court, where the final determination of civil liability related to the induced earthquake is now pending.

A Pohang city official said the city plans to closely monitor the Supreme Court proceedings and continue devoting efforts to protecting the rights of affected residents and supporting the litigation.


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