[New Year's Address] Gogi-dong Deputy Minister of Public Safety "No Gaps in Disaster Response... Servants to the Entire Nation"

Jeju Air Passenger Plane Accident Mourned
Emphasizing 'Disaster Safety' as Top Priority

Ko Gi-dong, Acting Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, emphasized being a 'servant to the people' as he welcomed the New Year and expressed a firm commitment to disaster response.

In his New Year's address on the 2nd, Vice Minister Ko said, "I extend my New Year's greetings with a profound sense of responsibility during these very serious times," adding, "Last year was truly eventful. I feel deeply sorry and saddened by the worries and concerns of the people."

Deputy Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, Go Gidong, attended the Central-Local Policy Council last year and discussed measures to stabilize people's livelihoods during the Lunar New Year holiday with heads of local governments nationwide. Photo by Jo Yongjun

Offering condolences to the victims of the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster, Vice Minister Ko stated, "Now, we begin the New Year and a new morning on the same day. Furthermore, we must resolve to have a steadfast new mindset," emphasizing, "We must firmly establish a heart for the people, a mindset of being servants to all citizens."

Among these, he placed special emphasis on 'disaster response.' Vice Minister Ko firmly said, "What we must do in 2025 is clear. There must be no gaps in responding to disasters such as heavy snow, cold waves, fires, and various accidents," adding, "There must be no hesitation when it comes to the safety of the people."

He also mentioned key tasks and duties of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, including digital government and local autonomy. Vice Minister Ko said, "We must provide digital administrative services continuously and stably," and urged, "Let us not be complacent or satisfied, but take a step further toward an AI government." He also requested, "We must strengthen close cooperation with local governments and solidify local autonomy."

Finally, Vice Minister Ko conveyed to the members, "Still waters run deep. Let us fulfill the government's responsibilities with unwavering posture," and added, "Let the Ministry of the Interior and Safety become a more reliable institution that achieves stronger policies for the safety and well-being of the people."