South Korea imposes hefty fine on HD Hyundai Oilbank for illegal discharge of phenol-containing wastewater

On August 28, 2025, the Ministry of Environment (MOE) of South Korea announced that it would impose a fine of KRW 176.1 billion (126.6 million USD) on HD Hyundai Oilbank, a major petroleum refining company, for the illegal discharge of wastewater containing phenol. Phenol is designated as a specified water pollutant in the country, and this measure is pursuant to Article 12 of the Act on the Control and Aggravated Punishment of Environmental Offenses (APEO), according to the MOE.