Kim Hakhong: "Construction to Be Completed by September"
Prime Minister Kim Minseok, who also serves as the Chair of the APEC Summit Preparatory Committee, expressed a grave sense of urgency regarding the imminent hosting of the APEC Summit. On the morning of July 11, at 10:00 a.m., he visited the HICO (Hwabaek International Convention Center) in Gyeongju to inspect the preparations for the 2025 APEC Summit.
Prime Minister Kim personally toured the APEC Summit preparation site, checking the status of key infrastructure such as the summit venue, VIP accommodations, and banquet hall. He emphasized the need for swift and thorough preparations to prevent any disruptions to the event.
Prime Minister Minseok Kim (center) visited Gyeongju to check the APEC preparation status and received an on-site report attended by Mayor Nakyoung Joo of Gyeongju (third from left) and Deputy Governor Hakhong Kim of Gyeongbuk Province (second from left).
This on-site inspection was conducted as a follow-up to a presidential directive and reflected Prime Minister Kim Minseok's serious awareness of the situation. Early in the morning, there was also communication with the President via social media.
First, Prime Minister Kim Minseok received a report on the current status of APEC Summit preparations and reviewed the details.
He pointed out that the main infrastructure is scheduled for completion by September, warning that a lack of advance preparation could lead to time constraints. He urged that all necessary measures be taken promptly in advance.
At the same time, he instructed that strict measures be taken to ensure workplace safety in the face of extreme heat and that future construction proceed without any setbacks.
Prime Minister Kim then meticulously inspected the progress of various infrastructure projects, including the summit venue, media center, accommodations, and banquet hall.
He stressed that, in addition to renovation work at each accommodation, the quality of accommodation services is crucial. He directed that training for related personnel be strengthened to enhance the overall quality of service.
Furthermore, he noted that the banquet hall is currently the most delayed project. He called for its completion well in advance, ensuring there are no gaps in the preparation for banquets and cultural events.
Relevant organizations, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs APEC Preparation Planning Team and the Gyeongbuk Province APEC Support Team, stated that they would thoroughly review any areas of concern and check response plans for each sector.
In this regard, the Office for Government Policy Coordination held the first task force meeting on July 8, chaired by the Chief of the Office, and announced that it will continue to closely discuss response measures with relevant agencies through follow-up TF meetings and meticulously monitor the preparation status.
Prime Minister Kim Minseok emphasized, "The APEC Summit is a very important international event. We must showcase Korea's normalization to the world and make this an event that exceeds expectations, leaving world leaders and countless businesspeople both satisfied and deeply impressed." He added, "Following today's first on-site inspection, I will return next week to thoroughly check all aspects, including accommodations, air and ground transportation, and venues for cultural and economic events," expressing a strong commitment to the event's preparation.
Prime Minister Kim Minseok (left), who visited Gyeongju to check the preparation status for APEC, is warmly shaking hands with Kim Hakhong, Deputy Governor of Gyeongbuk Province.
Kim Hakhong, Deputy Governor for Administrative Affairs of Gyeongbuk Province, who guided Prime Minister Kim Minseok during the inspection, expressed his gratitude, stating, "With the Prime Minister, who is the Chair of the Summit Preparatory Committee, visiting, there will be even closer cooperation between central ministries and related agencies, enabling preparations to proceed at a faster pace." He added, "While prioritizing safety, especially against heat-related illnesses during the summer, we will make the most of all available time, including holidays and nights, to ensure all construction is completed by September. With about 110 days remaining, we will do our utmost at the local government level for the successful hosting of APEC, fully aware of the importance and responsibility of this event."
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