Democratic Party Floor Leader Joint Memorial Visit Followed by Meeting with Bereaved Families
Promises of Truth Investigation, Recurrence Prevention, and Accountability
Park Kwang-on, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated on the 4th regarding the Osong underpass disaster in Chungbuk, "This was a disaster that could truly have been prevented, making it a human and administrative error," and mentioned the responsibility of Kim Young-hwan, Governor of Chungbuk Province, saying, "The responsibility for the design of the facility and poor management ultimately lies with the highest official of the provincial government." He also expressed agreement with the claim that the Osong underpass disaster falls under the Serious Accident Punishment Act.
On the same day, Floor Leader Park visited the joint condolence altar for the victims set up in the civil petition office of the Chungbuk Provincial Government and held a meeting with the bereaved families' council. After paying respects at the altar, he told reporters, "I pray for the repose of the deceased and, although words may not bring comfort to the bereaved families, I want to say that the Democratic Party will do its utmost to investigate the truth, firmly promise to prevent recurrence, and ensure that those responsible are punished."
During the meeting with the bereaved families, Floor Leader Park criticized, "As reported multiple times, there were 23 opportunities, and if this accident could have been prevented, if something had worked properly somewhere, these tragic deaths could have been avoided, and those people would still be alive. Not preventing it is an inexcusable mistake," adding, "I believe there were even more problems afterward." According to media reports, despite 23 prior warnings on the day of the disaster, authorities were negligent in their response.
He continued, "It is even more regrettable that none of the responsible or authorized persons have said 'I was wrong' or 'I am sorry.' The state's duty is to protect the lives and safety of its citizens, and protecting the lives and safety of the provincial residents is the province's responsibility and primary duty. Neglecting this is clearly administrative negligence. I agree with the claim that this falls under the Serious Accident Punishment Act."
He said, "I will be a strong support to responsibly resolve this issue," and added, "I was deeply moved to hear that the families of the Sewol ferry disaster and the Itaewon tragedy, who have also suffered pain, are offering condolences to the families of the Osong disaster. The Democratic Party will gather strength and move forward step by step, hoping to ease even a little of the sorrow in their hearts."
Earlier, at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly, Floor Leader Park pointed out, "I ask that the Governor of Chungbuk Province keep in mind that he may be subject to the Serious Accident Punishment Act," and emphasized, "Serious civic disasters refer to disasters caused by defects in design and management related to the use of public facilities. The Osong underpass qualifies as a serious civic disaster."
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