Park Sun-gwan, the head of Aricell, who was sentenced to 15 years in prison at the first trial over the Aricell plant fire disaster that left 23 people dead, had the sentence sharply reduced on appeal.
The Criminal Division 1 of the Suwon High Court (Presiding Judge Shin Hyun-il) on the 22nd sentenced Park to four years in prison at the appellate sentencing hearing on charges including violations of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act (industrial accident death), the Dispatch Act, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
In addition, Park Jung-eon, Park's son and Aricell's general operations chief, who was indicted on charges including violating the Occupational Safety and Health Act and causing death and injury by occupational negligence, was sentenced to seven years in prison and fined 1 million won. Six Aricell executives and employees sent to trial as Park's accomplices received suspended prison sentences and other penalties.
The appellate bench said, "Two days before the fire, there was an explosion that signaled trouble, yet the defendants took the risks of the heat-generating batteries lightly and continued subsequent processes," adding, "It was a disaster that could have been prevented, which makes their responsibility very grave."
However, it noted, "Some bereaved family members are petitioning for punishment, but we take into account that the defendants reached settlements with all those injured."
As soon as the judge handed down the ruling, the bereaved loudly protested, and the courtroom briefly descended into turmoil.
Earlier, Park and Park, the general operations chief, were both sentenced to 15 years in prison at the first trial on Sept. 23 last year. Park was arrested and indicted on charges of violating the duty to secure safety and health—such as failing to check for hazardous and risk factors and lacking a manual to prepare for serious accidents—in connection with the fire at the Aricell plant in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, on June 24, 2024, which killed 23 workers and injured 8.
The general operations chief Park is accused of causing a major fatal accident by violating the duty of care in safety management to store and manage batteries and to prepare for fires.