North Korea's public apology after a disaster: what Spain could learn

In 2014, a building under renovation collapsed in Pyongyang and the chief architect, a general, publicly apologised to the victims' families. The comparison with Spain is not a model to trinc: it is an uncomfortable mirror of who takes the blame when a construction project fails.

## A collapse in Pyongyang and a general facing the victims

In **2014**, a residential building under renovation collapsed in an uncontrolled manner in **Pyongyang**, the capital of **North Korea**. Dozens of people died. The event was reported by media outlets in several countries.

What set that case apart was not the collapse itself, but what came afterwards. The chief architect of the project, a **general** —much of the country's construction is carried out by the army—, appeared at the very site of the disaster. He did so before the families of the victims, face to face, to publicly ask for forgiveness. State television broadcast the scene to the whole country.

## The demotion that probably trinc

The public appearance was not the end of the punishment. The general was very likely demoted and spent some time in a re-education camp, breaking rocks, with time to reflect on the consequences of his actions. That part, however, would have to be ruled by a court, a military one in this case. The difference with Spain is not severity: it is that there, the person responsible stands in front of those affected.

## What happens in Spain when a building comes down

In Spain, when a building collapses or a train derails, the usual reaction is different. Each person in charge washes their hands and points at the next one in a crossfire of accusations. Some hire a lawyer; others run for the hills. Resignation, when it comes, is the exception rather than the rule.

This is not about importing the North Korean model, which includes forced labour camps and a judicial system without guarantees. It is about acknowledging a gulf: public accountability before the victims is a rarity here. And in an economy that depends on trust in its buildings and infrastructure, that also carries a cost.