Kim Han-gil "Tragic Hwaseong Fire... Integration Committee Shows Special Concern for Migrant Issues"

Kim Han-gil, Chairman of the National Integration Committee, is speaking at the '2024 National Integration Conference' held at the Federation of Korean Industries building in Yeouido on the 27th. (Photo by National Integration Committee)

Kim Han-gil, Chairman of the National Integration Committee, expressed deep regret over the fire that occurred on the 24th at the Arisel factory in Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, saying, "I am deeply saddened that many migrant workers have suffered unfortunate incidents."

Chairman Kim made these remarks on the 27th at the '2024 National Integration Conference' held at the Federation of Korean Industries building in Yeouido, Seoul, stating, "The Integration Committee has paid special attention to migrant issues."

The National Integration Committee has completed the 'Special Committee for Accompanying Migrants' and the 'Special Committee for Migrants' Autonomous Participation' and is currently operating the 'Special Committee for Coexistence with Migrant Workers.'

Chairman Kim emphasized, "It is true that many countries are experiencing conflicts over migrant issues," adding, "We also believe that the time is not far off, and our committee is paying special attention to issues related to integrating migrants."

He added that the National Integration Committee will actively examine the root causes of various and complex conflicts in the latter half of the term and strive to approach the public with practical policies.

He also mentioned 'overcoming political regionalism' and 'alleviating economic and social polarization.'

Chairman Kim said, "Looking at the map showing the results of this general election by color, the country is divided vertically into red and blue," and added, "There is concern that regionalism is intertwined with political polarization and is rather deepening, so we will actively consider ways to overcome this political regionalism."

Regarding polarization, he pointed out, "Income inequality has steadily improved over the past 20 years but still remains at a high level," and "especially the income gap between the youth and the middle class is widening."

In addition, the National Integration Committee explained that it plans to focus discussions on demographic changes, artificial intelligence (AI) technological changes, and climate change issues to prepare for the future environment.

The conference was organized to seek practical solutions for sustainable future challenges and solutions centered on agendas facing our society, such as political regionalism, economic inequality, and the climate crisis.

Yeom Jae-ho, President of Taejae University, delivered the keynote speech titled "Creating the New Normal Together: The AI Era and Paradigm Shift."

President Yeom said, "It is time to boldly discard the 20th-century mindset and systems built on mass production and jointly create the new social system's new normal required by the 21st-century AI era."