Site Inspection on the Eve of the Second Anniversary of the Disaster
"Distinguishing Responsibilities Between Local and Central Governments, Ensuring Accountability at Every Level"
President Lee Also Questions Governor Kim Younghwan About Specific Flood-Prone Areas
On July 14, one day before the second anniversary of the Osong disaster, President Lee Jaemyung visited the site of the accident. There, he received briefings from the Ministry of Environment, North Chungcheong Province, and other authorities regarding the causes of the embankment collapse, the progression of the flooding incident, and proposed improvements. He emphasized that local and central governments must clearly distinguish between their respective responsibilities, determine which tasks should be handled separately or jointly, and ensure accountability at every level. In particular, he reiterated that fatalities resulting from poor management must be strictly punished.
Spokesperson Kang Yujeong stated during a briefing at the presidential office in Yongsan that President Lee asked whether there were any issues that needed to be addressed not only with manpower but also structurally and systemically, and emphasized these points. The Osong disaster occurred at 8:27 a.m. on July 15, 2023, when heavy rainfall and an embankment collapse led to the flooding of the Gungpyeong 2 Underpass in Chungju. The incident resulted in 14 deaths and 16 injuries.
President Lee also questioned Governor Kim Younghwan of North Chungcheong Province about specific details, including flood-prone areas in the province. Spokesperson Kang explained, "President Lee asked the provincial governor in detail about which areas are at risk of flooding, the causes of insufficient water storage capacity, and whether local and national rivers are being managed properly." She added, "While inspecting the underpass area, where vehicle entry barriers, emergency evacuation floodgates, and handrails have been installed since the accident, he remarked that operational checks are just as important as improving disaster prevention facilities and providing financial support."
In addition, President Lee confirmed the demands of the victims' families regarding the progress of the investigation into the disaster, and once again stressed that fatalities caused by poor management must be strictly punished. Spokesperson Kang said, "President Lee asked if there were any demands from the victims' families regarding the progress of the investigation, and reiterated that fatalities resulting from poor management must be strictly punished."
Meanwhile, those present at the site visit included Kim Kwangyong, Director General of Disaster and Safety Management at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety; Oh Byungkwon, Director General of Natural Disaster Management; Geum Hanseung, Vice Minister of Environment; Lee Seunghwan, Director General of Water Resources Policy; as well as Kim Younghwan, Governor of North Chungcheong Province; and Lee Yeonhee, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea. All attendees wore black memorial ribbons.
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