South Korea Moves to Revamp Compensation System for Humidifier Disinfectant Victims

South Korea is initiating a process to gather feedback from victims as it prepares to transition to a government-led compensation system for those affected by humidifier disinfectants. This shift is expected to accelerate discussions on compensation standards and support scope.

The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced that it will hold a briefing on the complete revision of the enforcement decree for the "Special Act on Compensation for Humidifier Disinfectant Victims" on May 8 in Seoul. The law is set to take effect on October 8.

During the briefing, details regarding the application process for compensation, criteria for determining damages, ongoing treatment costs, and health monitoring procedures will be disclosed. The government plans to incorporate additional feedback from victims before the legislative notice is issued.

As the compensation system shifts from a victim-centered approach to a state-led model, key issues such as expanding the scope of compensation and long-term treatment support are expected to be major points of discussion. Some victim advocacy groups are calling for clearer definitions regarding health impacts and support for bereaved families.

To facilitate compensation reviews, the government will establish a support organization under the Office for Government Policy Coordination and form a committee to develop detailed compensation standards.

The humidifier disinfectant crisis began in 1994 when products linked to lung damage were sold. A 2011 epidemiological study confirmed the connection between these disinfectants and lung injuries. To date, 8,065 individuals have applied for compensation, with 6,011 recognized as victims.

In June 2024, 13 years after the causal link was first established, the Supreme Court acknowledged government responsibility in the humidifier disinfectant case. Subsequently, on December 24, the government announced a comprehensive support plan for victims, transitioning to a state-led compensation system.

According to the revised law's provisions, individuals already recognized as victims under the previous law will be considered to have applied for compensation as of the new law's effective date. However, new applicants who have not yet been recognized must apply for compensation within six months after the new law takes effect, by April 8, 2027.

First Vice Minister of Climate, Kim Han-seung, expressed sincere apologies to victims and their families for their suffering, stating, "We will finalize the subordinate regulations by the law's implementation date and ensure a smooth transition to the new support system for victims."