The chief of Oxy Reckitt Benckiser on Monday formerly apologized and promised compensation for the victims of a toxic humidifier sterilizer amid a full-fledged prosecution probe into the Korean unit of the British firm and local consumers' move to boycott its products.
The humidifier disinfectant case, one of the worst scandals involving consumer products using chemicals, came to light after four pregnant women died of lung problems for unknown reason in 2011. A government-led investigation confirmed a connection between more than 100 people who died of lung problems and the chemicals used to clean household humidifiers.
"I offer my heartfelt apology on behalf of Oxy Reckitt Benckiser... I also represent headquarters in the UK," Ata Safdar, CEO of Oxy Reckitt Benckiser, said during a press conference in Seoul, bowing in front of cameras. "We will make every effort to assure the victims have necessary support and fair compensation."
It is the first time since the release of Oxy's sterilizer 15 years ago that the company has made an apology.
The CEO's admittance of responsibility in public came after its April 21 email apology denying its culpability in the case sparked a strong backlash from victims of the families.
Following the creation of a 5 billion won (US$4.38 million) "humanitarian fund" in 2014, Oxy Reckitt Benckiser said it will additionally spend 5 billion won to help compensate the victims.
The Oxy official also proposed other makers of questionable disinfectant put concerted efforts to compensate victims. Lotte Mart and Homeplus, two of South Korea's biggest discount chains, also made and sold similar products.
The problematic products were withdrawn from the local market in 2011.
Prosecutors have expanded their investigation into the Korean unit, summoning former Korean CEO Shin Hyun-woo and two other senior officials last week.
The focus of the investigation will be on whether the company's high-ranking executives approved the sales of its disinfectants while knowing the health risks.
Safdar said his company will fully cooperate with South Korean authorities and conduct its own investigation to "get to the bottom of the case and hold those accountable."
The latest move comes as the boycott of the British firm's products has gained steam among retailers, pharmacists and consumers. Hundreds of victims also plan to lodge a collective suit against the company later this month.
The snowballing case has also come under the radar of President Park Geun-hye, who urged prosecutors to thoroughly investigate the case.
The repeated apology, however, was not enough to solace those who have long suffered from unidentified diseases.
Jung Mi-ae accompanied her 14-year-old son, who is undersized, wheelchair-bound and wore a nasal cannula connected to a green oxygen tank to aid his breathing.
"Do you think you can compensate my son's pain and suffering?,"
the 40-year-old from Yongin, south of Seoul, said. "My son has never been able to attend school because of his health condition."
"Why didn't you apologize in the first place? You are too late!," an angry father shouted, pointing his finger at him.
Safdar begged the victims' families to accept his apology. "I'm so sorry. I'm a father of three sons and I understand how you feel."
Another mother, full of tears, responded, "No, you don't understand. My son died."
Later on Monday, the representatives for the victims filed a complaint with the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office seeking an investigation into eight board members of the British firm Oxy Reckitt Benckiser, including its chief executive officer Rakesh Kapoor.
The headquarters in Britain is responsible for not conducting due safety checks since the product was first sold in 2001, they said in a press conference held in front of the prosecutors' office in southern Seoul.(Yonhap)
