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Korea’s Death Mall - 502 Dead & 40 Missing Inside High End Department Store

Rotten Mango・66 minutes read

A shopping mall collapse in South Korea due to structural issues and cost-cutting measures by the Lee family led to a challenging rescue operation, multiple deaths, and public debate on justice. Despite warnings of imminent collapse, management dismissed concerns, leading to tragic consequences and prison sentences for the Lee family.

Insights

  • The collapse of the luxury shopping mall in South Korea was a result of structural issues and cost-cutting measures during construction, including risky decisions made by businessman Lee Chun, compromising the building's safety.
  • The rescue operation following the collapse faced immense challenges, with risky maneuvers required due to the unstable building structure, lack of proper equipment, and emotional toll on rescuers, resulting in a tragic loss of life and a public debate on justice and societal responsibility.

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Recent questions

  • What caused the collapse of the luxury shopping mall?

    The collapse of the luxury shopping mall was primarily caused by structural issues and cost-cutting measures implemented during construction. These measures compromised the building's safety, leading to its eventual collapse.

  • How did the survivors endure their time trapped in the rubble?

    The survivors trapped in the rubble endured days of darkness, hunger, and thirst. They resorted to drinking contaminated water and eating cardboard to survive until they were rescued.

  • What led to the collapse of the building in Kangnam?

    The collapse of the building in Kangnam was attributed to risky decisions made by businessman Lee Chun during construction. Cost-cutting measures, such as reducing column thickness and using a cheaper construction method, contributed to the structural vulnerabilities that led to the collapse.

  • How did the rescue operation unfold after the building collapse?

    The rescue operation following the building collapse involved risky maneuvers by volunteers and professionals. Despite facing challenges like rain, lack of proper equipment, and emotional toll on rescuers, they managed to rescue some survivors after days of searching.

  • What were the consequences faced by Lee and his son after the collapse?

    Following the collapse, Lee and his son received prison sentences due to their involvement in the structural issues and cost-cutting measures that led to the tragedy. This sparked public debate on justice and societal influence in South Korea.

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Summary

00:00

"Shopping Mall Collapse: Survivors' Harrowing Tale"

  • Mina, shopping with her son, experiences him being petrified by an unseen figure named Aashi, urging them to leave immediately.
  • Despite the absence of any middle-aged man or bleeding person, Mina's son insists on leaving due to Aashi's warning.
  • Rumors circulate about a bleeding man in the luxury shopping mall, with children claiming to have seen him and being warned of impending danger.
  • On a scorching day in South Korea, the mall's AC malfunctions, creating a hot and humid environment, contrary to the usual icy blast upon entry.
  • Approximately a thousand people are present in the mall when it collapses, giving them only 20 seconds to evacuate.
  • Pungo, a young worker, initially dismisses the urgency to evacuate but eventually joins the panicked customers in fleeing.
  • Gia, a crystal shop employee, experiences a sudden collapse of crystals and is warned to run by her manager, facing the same 20-second escape window.
  • Sarah, a recent high school graduate working in a children's clothing store, notices an unusual cold breeze in the basement, signaling impending danger.
  • Michael, an architecture student working at a shoe store, finds himself trapped in darkness and concrete after the collapse, alongside two other individuals.
  • Michael and his companions endure days of darkness, hunger, and thirst, resorting to drinking contaminated water and eating cardboard to survive.

15:50

"Tragic Collapse Reveals Deadly Cost-Cutting"

  • A group of people resembling zombies, covered in white powder, emerged from a collapsed department store, possibly due to a terrorist attack.
  • The collapse trapped an estimated 1,000 individuals, leading to a massive rescue operation involving 4,000 personnel, including firefighters and police.
  • Rescuers faced challenges as the building's edges remained standing but unstable, risking further casualties if they collapsed.
  • Heavy machinery couldn't be used due to the risk of causing harm to trapped individuals, necessitating a manual rescue operation.
  • Initially hopeful, rescuers discovered mannequin parts under the rubble, realizing they were actually human remains.
  • The night before the collapse, a security guard heard strange noises in the building, hinting at potential issues.
  • Kangnam, once a less desirable area, was transformed into an elite district by businessman Lee Chun through strategic land purchases.
  • Lee's construction of a department store in Kangnam led to immense financial success, attracting affluent residents and professionals.
  • Lee's cost-cutting measures during construction, such as reducing column thickness and steel rods, compromised the building's safety.
  • Lee's decision to use flat slab construction, a cheaper but riskier method, contributed to structural vulnerabilities, potentially leading to the collapse.

30:13

Building Collapse: Risky Decisions Lead to Tragedy

  • Lee, a wealthy businessman, made risky decisions to save money during the construction of a building, compromising its structural integrity.
  • The addition of a fifth floor to the building, not designed to hold the weight, significantly increased the risk of collapse.
  • The fifth floor was intended for heavy restaurants, adding immense weight with commercial equipment and water.
  • The weight of the fifth floor was equivalent to a hundred Amazon delivery trucks, causing immense strain on the building.
  • The installation of heated floors and heavy AC cooling towers on the fifth floor added further weight, destabilizing the building.
  • The vibrations from the AC towers further weakened the building's foundation, causing cracks and water leaks.
  • A bookstore on the second floor contributed to the building's collapse due to the weight of Korean books.
  • The building's collapse led to a challenging rescue operation during the rainy season, with initial progress followed by difficulties.
  • The rescue efforts involved risky maneuvers by volunteers and professionals, with some survivors rescued after days of being trapped.
  • The rescue operation faced challenges due to rain, lack of proper equipment, and the emotional toll on rescuers, with only three survivors found after days of searching.

45:29

Survivors' Resilience Shatters Stereotypes in Tragedy

  • A survivor in the rubble for 11 days received modeling gigs and scholarships after being rescued.
  • Younger generation's toughness stereotype in South Korea shattered by survivors' resilience.
  • Survivors' food cravings post-rescue led to endorsement deals with soda, coffee, and ice cream brands.
  • Michael, a survivor, felt embarrassed about his shaved head during hospital visits.
  • Rescues mainly occurred at sub-levels, with little chance of survival on other floors.
  • Mr. Jung searched hospitals for his daughters after the collapse, tragically finding out they were dead.
  • Mrs. Lee's daughter pursued her dream of a fashion store, tragically perishing in the collapse.
  • Families felt shame and guilt for feeling jealousy towards reunited survivors.
  • Government began clearing debris post-rescue, with many victims still unaccounted for.
  • Investigation revealed the collapse was due to structural issues and cost-cutting measures by the Lee family.

01:00:00

Building Collapse: Ignored Warnings Lead to Tragedy

  • Inspectors warn Lee's son of imminent building collapse, advising evacuation and closure.
  • Lee's son opts to hide cracks with grout and plaster to maintain business during crucial sale months.
  • Violation of sale regulations in South Korea leads to VIP clients receiving early access to sales.
  • Signs of structural issues emerge with shaking floors, drooping ceilings, and visible cracks.
  • Despite warnings, management dismisses concerns as minor construction issues.
  • Sinkhole and structural cracks escalate concerns, prompting partial floor closures for investigation.
  • Evacuation orders issued hours before collapse, focusing on saving valuable items over people.
  • Tragic collapse results in multiple deaths, with firefighters facing traumatic rescue efforts.
  • Lee and son receive prison sentences, sparking public debate on justice and societal influence.
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