Government Recognizes 1,422... Victims Claim '20,366 Dead from Humidifier Disinfectants'

Claims have emerged that the number of people who died from humidifier disinfectant damage reaches 20,366, far exceeding the 1,422 recognized by the government. The National Humidifier Disinfectant Disaster Victims Alliance asserted this death toll based on its own collection and analysis of victim reports.

The victims' group emphasized that to verify the actual scale of the sacrifice, the link to diseases must be investigated more broadly, including lung conditions not recognized by the government. They stated that everyone who died suffering from immune system collapse and chronic diseases—going beyond simple respiratory illnesses—must be included as victims of the disaster. The bereaved families stressed that the death toll recognized by the government should not obscure the reality of the catastrophe.

A representative from the National Humidifier Disinfectant Disaster Victims Alliance stated that the government is ignoring the voices of citizens actually suffering by hiding behind the framework of "scientific causality." The representative pointed out the contradiction in the current system where victims must personally prove that their disease was caused by humidifier disinfectants, and stated that a government-led comprehensive investigation and the revision of the victim relief law are urgent.

It was reported that many victims are unable to return to their daily lives due to the burden of medical expenses and aftereffects.

The victims' group plans to launch legislative petition activities targeting the National Assembly and relevant ministries. The group has established plans to continue holding regular rallies, starting with this picketing protest, until the government makes an official statement. They reiterated that the government must show a change in attitude.