People Power Party Urges Swift Appointment of Interior Minister
Calls for Bipartisan Cooperation to Strengthen Disaster Response
Emphasizes Lessons Learned from Major Tragedies Over 30 Years
On the 21st, Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, called on the opposition parties, including the Democratic Party, to cooperate in appointing the Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the disaster and safety control tower, which has long been vacant, while urging the government to prepare measures against a series of safety accidents such as aircraft and ship accidents and fires.
At the 'National Safety Inspection Party-Government Council' held at the National Assembly that morning, Floor Leader Kwon mentioned the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster, fishing boat sinking accident, and fire at a construction site in Gijang-gun, Busan, saying, "Once again, I pray for the repose of the deceased and the speedy recovery of the injured. We must thoroughly inspect to prevent such incidents from happening again."
Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, is attending the floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on the 18th. 2025.2.18 Photo by Kim Hyun-min
He also said, "This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Sampoong Department Store collapse. Over the past 30 years since the Sampoong disaster, our society has undergone much reflection and introspection, and it is true that many changes have occurred." He added, "However, even after that, heartbreaking major disasters have been repeated, including the 1999 Sealand disaster, the 2003 Daegu subway disaster, the 2014 Sewol ferry disaster, and the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster. I would like to emphasize once again that it is time to truly break the chain of tragic disasters."
He continued, "The numbers indicating the victims in the materials on the desk or in various accident news are not mere statistics. Each number contains a life, a dream, and the deep sorrow of those left behind," emphasizing, "It is our duty today to prepare the best possible measures to prevent recurrence, without taking any sacrifice lightly."
He also urged the prompt appointment of the Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. Floor Leader Kwon said, "At this meeting, ministers from the Ministry of Employment and Labor, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, and other government officials directly related to public safety are present." He added, "However, the Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the main department overseeing disaster safety, is still vacant, and this situation itself is an element that hinders safety response. I would like to take this opportunity to emphasize once again the urgency of appointing the Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety."
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