Daijin Bed told to compensate mattress users

The Korea Consumer Agency (KCA) concluded Tuesday that Daijin Bed, the manufacturer responsible for producing mattresses found to contain traces of radioactive material, has to compensate consumers with 300,000 won ($260) and a new mattress.

The announcement is the result of a collective dispute resolution by the state-owned office. The domestic consumer protection law states that if over 50 consumers see damage due to one particular product, the KCA can investigate to determine the correct amount of compensation.

Daijin has refused to pay damage claims, citing a lack of funds and ongoing civil suits.

Among the 6,387 people who applied to take part in the KCA’s resolution process, 4,665 submitted the required papers and are eligible to receive compensation from Daijin.

The 300,000 won is not compensation for any sickness that customers have claimed was caused by the mattresses, but for the stress they underwent when the news broke.

In May, two dozen mattresses made by Daijin Bed were found to emit dangerous amounts of radon, a radioactive substance linked to cancer and various respiratory diseases.

BY SONG KYOUNG-SON [song.kyoungson@joongang.co.kr]