Handonghun: "Wildfires Are a National Crisis... Ruling and Opposition Parties Must Overcome It with One Mind"

Han Donghoon Stresses the Importance of People's Lives and Safety
Calls for Unity in Wildfire Response and Prevention Systems

Former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon emphasized regarding the wildfires in the Yeongnam region that "Nothing is more important than the lives and safety of the people, and on this issue, both ruling and opposition parties must unite with one heart and one mind to overcome the crisis." On the 26th, Han posted on social media (SNS), "As of today, twenty-four people have lost their lives to the uncontrollable flames." He continued, "I pray for the souls of the deceased and offer my deepest condolences to their bereaved families," adding, "I also extend my sincere sympathies to the victims who suddenly lost their homes."

Handonghun, the leader of the People Power Party, is holding an emergency press conference at the National Assembly on the 12th regarding the impeachment of President Yoon Seok-yeol. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

Regarding the wildfire damage, he said, "A nationwide wildfire is not just a regional issue but a national crisis that requires the unity of all citizens," and added, "For several days, firefighting authorities, volunteers, and local residents have been working overnight to contain the flames. The public is also mourning the victims sincerely and praying for a swift containment." Furthermore, Han urged, "As I mentioned yesterday, the most important thing is the lives and safety of the people. I ask the firefighting authorities to do their utmost to ensure the fire is extinguished as soon as possible. Please also ensure the safety of firefighters and suppression teams."

The day before, Han pointed out regarding the wildfire, "Once the flames are fully controlled, investment in recovery support for the affected areas and wildfire response is necessary," and criticized, "We lost Naksansa Temple in the Yangyang wildfire 20 years ago, yet we repeat similar situations almost every year. Without a large-scale investment in wildfire prevention and suppression systems, we will face the same problems next year and the year after."

As the wildfires in the Yeongnam region spread uncontrollably causing casualties, People Power Party lawmakers called for bipartisan cooperation. First, Ahn Cheol-soo, a People Power Party lawmaker, also posted on SNS that day, "The Yeongnam wildfire is beyond a 'disaster'; it is a 'national crisis.' This is a state of national emergency," urging, "Lee Jae-myung, the party leader, and the Democratic Party should immediately stop inciting protests in the square and come to the National Assembly to actively participate in discussions on supplementary budgets for recovery."

Ahn emphasized, "The place where lawmakers should be right now is not the square but the National Assembly," and stated, "The top priority is to prepare a disaster supplementary budget." He added, "The government must also devote all efforts to fire suppression and emergency relief. Considering the characteristics of the Yeongnam region with a large elderly population, comprehensive measures such as livelihood support are urgently needed," and concluded, "I offer my deepest sympathies to the affected residents. I will do everything I can for emergency relief and damage recovery."

People Power Party floor leader Kwon Seong-dong also posted on his SNS, saying, "This is a serious situation with additional wildfires occurring across the country," and conveyed, "Lawmakers from the affected and neighboring areas should prioritize wildfire prevention, securing residents' safety, and supporting disaster victims together with party members and comrades."