Lee Jae-myung Comforts Yongsan Fire Station Firefighters Who "Ran Without Walking Even for a Moment"

"I hope there will be no passing of responsibility onto those who worked hard and suffered"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] "You have worked so hard. I truly appreciate all of you who always serve selflessly on the front lines to protect the lives and safety of the people, and I am well aware of the best efforts you made at the Itaewon disaster site."

On the 9th, which is also Firefighters' Day, Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, visited Yongsan Fire Station and made these remarks after receiving a report related to the Itaewon disaster. Seeming to be mindful of the fact that the head of Yongsan Fire Station and others have been booked, Lee said, "Authority always comes with responsibility, but I hope that responsibility is not unfairly shifted onto those who have been struggling and working hard on the front lines," adding, "The Democratic Party will also strive to ensure that does not happen."

He said, "I hope you do not pay attention to this visit if it interferes with your work and continue your routine duties, which I believe you will," and added, "I would like to hear from you."

Lee expressed his gratitude, saying, "I will do my best to ensure that the grave responsibility of this national disaster is not unfairly passed on to those who fought on the front lines or swept under the rug by scapegoating. You truly worked hard."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

At the scene, firefighters expressed their distress over the mental suffering experienced by those who participated in the rescue during this disaster and the burden of being held responsible for the disaster response.

The paramedic team leader said, "What was heartbreaking was that our paramedics did not stop walking for even a moment. They kept running," adding, "Seeing those subordinates, I wonder if I should feel sorry or guilty. I am very afraid and scared that their actions might be forgotten."

One team leader said, "About 150 people from Yongsan Fire Station who were deployed to the site are receiving psychological counseling. More than 90% have completed it, but about 10-15% require ongoing management," and mentioned, "There needs to be a systemic improvement to recognize PTSD as a mental illness and provide paid leave from as short as one month to until full recovery."

The firefighters said, "The head of Yongsan Fire Station was the first to arrive and the last to leave. There may have been minor mistakes, but this person was booked as of yesterday and subjected to two searches," adding, "We did all we could and there are parts we feel unfair about."

In response, Lee said, "I deeply empathize with the anxiety and unfairness that trauma or wounds caused by the disaster itself and the responsibility for them could be unjustly imposed," adding, "We will do our best to prevent more unfair victims from occurring." He continued, "It is truly difficult to say this, but I still say, please stay strong."