Kim Dong-yeon: "President Yoon and Mayor Oh Se-hoon Must Sincerely Apologize and Reflect on the October 29 Disaster"

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Current Government Must Actively Pursue Fiscal Expansion Policies Including Heating Cost Support
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Kim Dong-yeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Kim Dong-yeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, directly criticized Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and President Yoon Seok-yeol for not offering sincere apologies and reflections regarding the October 29 disaster.

He also argued that the prosecution's request for the arrest of Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is a "political act" and that according to the law, a non-custodial investigation is appropriate. Furthermore, regarding the government's heating cost support for vulnerable groups, he expressed regret that neither the president nor the deputy prime minister has shown a proactive attitude, advising that now is not the time to talk about fiscal soundness but to pursue fiscal expansion policies. He also emphasized the need for "electoral system reform" for political reform.

In a phone interview on the MBC radio program "Kim Jong-bae's Focus" on the 15th, Governor Kim said, "Both Mayor Oh Se-hoon and President Yoon Seok-yeol need to offer sincere apologies and reflections regarding this disaster," adding, "It should not be a formal statement but a heartfelt reflection and apology, acknowledging that it was our fault."

He continued, "The response to this disaster should first consider the feelings of the bereaved families, which is the role of politics, public institutions, and society," and stated, "Gyeonggi Province immediately broadcasted the news at dawn when the accident occurred, dispatched firefighters, and I apologized that morning."

He added, "Gyeonggi Province extended the joint memorial altar for a longer period, enshrined the portraits at the funeral hall, and did our best. Nevertheless, I still feel ashamed and reflective about this disaster," and criticized, "I believe it was truly wrong for Seoul City to forcibly dismantle the memorial space."

Regarding the creation of memorial spaces at Suwon Station or the Gyeonggi Provincial Office, which some suggest because Seoul City did not, Governor Kim responded, "I am willing to do so anytime."

On the prosecution's request for the arrest of Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, Governor Kim dismissed it as a "political act" and criticized, "Is there any risk of the leader of the main opposition party fleeing or destroying evidence? Requesting an arrest warrant in this case is political logic."

He continued, "What is needed now is legal logic, and according to the law, non-custodial investigation is the principle," pointing out, "However, the prosecution has conducted selective and superstitious investigations on Lee Jae-myung, while declaring former lawmaker Kwak Sang-do not guilty in the first trial, showing absurd selective investigations and poor trials."

He added, "The judicial system currently has three flaws: selective investigation, poor prosecution, and nonsensical rulings," and said, "Political acts against the leader of the main opposition party, who poses no risk of evidence destruction or fleeing, are undesirable. It is right to guarantee Lee Jae-myung's right to defense, vigorously clarify the truth in court, and for him to face the investigation confidently."

Regarding the heating cost issue, Governor Kim said, "It is very regrettable that neither the president nor Deputy Prime Minister Choo Kyung-ho is taking a more proactive stance," advising, "Now is not the time to aim for fiscal soundness but to strengthen fiscal expansion."

On electoral system reform, he said, "Twenty lost years have passed since the late President Roh Moo-hyun called for political reform," and suggested, "Instead of lawmakers involved drafting and amending, how about delegating it to an external committee and then simply voting for or against the results?"