Josun Hotels & Resorts issued a formal apology under its chief executive's name on the 1st over a chlorine gas leak at Grand Josun Jeju. The company pledged to review its facilities and operating procedures and draw up measures to prevent a recurrence.
In the apology posted on Grand Josun Jeju's official website the same day, Josun Hotels & Resorts CEO Choi Hoon-hak said, "We deeply apologize for the inconvenience and concern caused to our guests by the accident that occurred at the Grand Josun Jeju hotel swimming pool."
Chlorine gas was released that morning while the first-floor swimming pool at Grand Josun Jeju in Seogwipo, Jeju, was being cleaned, and the smell spread to every floor of the hotel. Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and fire authorities believe the gas was generated because the disinfectant was not mixed in the correct proportions during the pool cleaning. A total of 59 people, including guests, employees and pool users, reported symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, vomiting and headaches.
In the statement, Choi said, "Immediately after the accident, we suspended operation of the facility and took steps including checking the safety of users and guiding them to evacuate." The hotel is working with relevant authorities to determine the exact cause and circumstances of the accident and is also inspecting the safety of the facilities involved.
"We will do our utmost to ensure that necessary support and follow-up measures are carried out swiftly, with the safety and recovery of affected guests as our top priority," Choi said. He added, "We take this matter very seriously," and said, "Along with identifying the exact cause, we will review the facilities and operating procedures as a whole and prepare the necessary improvements and measures to prevent a recurrence."
