Drinking Party During the Second Anniversary Memorial of the Osong Disaster
Governor Kim Says, "We Apologize for Causing Concern"
During the second anniversary memorial period for the Osong disaster, Kim Younghwan, the Governor of North Chungcheong Province, has sparked controversy by attending a drinking party with members of the Cheongju City Council.
According to North Chungcheong Province and other sources on July 14, Governor Kim held a dinner meeting with Cheongju City Council members at a restaurant in Cheongju around 6:30 p.m. on July 12. It is reported that Governor Kim, Kim Hyunki, the Chair of the Cheongju City Council, and three city council members attended the gathering.
Controversy over drinking party involving the Governor of Chungbuk Province and Cheongju City Council members. Photo provided by Yonhap News Agency
The controversy began when a photo was posted in a group chat on a social networking service (SNS). The photo showed Governor Kim, Chair Kim, and the city council members at a table with three bottles of soju and two bottles of beer. Some council members were seen holding glasses of alcohol.
It is reported that Governor Kim, due to a scheduling conflict, arrived about an hour late and joined the dinner and drinking for about one hour starting at 6:30 p.m. The meeting was reportedly intended to discuss cooperation on current issues between the provincial government and the Cheongju City Council.
As a result, criticism has arisen that it was inappropriate for Governor Kim, Chair Kim, and the Cheongju City Council members to attend a drinking party during the Osong disaster memorial period.
North Chungcheong Province declared the period from July 7 to 15 as the second anniversary memorial period for the Osong disaster. During this time, all provincial government employees wear memorial ribbons and observe moments of silence at meetings and events, while refraining from drinking parties or entertainment activities to maintain a solemn atmosphere. Cheongju City is also observing a memorial period.
Governor Kim explained that the meeting had been scheduled a month in advance and was meant to explain key provincial issues to the Cheongju City Council members and seek their cooperation. Governor Kim's office stated, "It was a meeting to discuss cooperation on issues such as the construction of a dome stadium and the Osong overpass. At the request of the council members, Governor Kim had about one or two glasses of beer," adding, "We apologize for causing concern to the residents by creating an inappropriate situation during the memorial period."
In response, the Osong Disaster Citizens’ Countermeasure Committee issued a statement, saying, "The bereaved families and survivors are still suffering as they demand a thorough investigation and punishment of those responsible," and called for Governor Kim to "publicly apologize to the bereaved families and citizens for breaking his own declaration to observe the memorial week just days after making it."
The Osong disaster occurred at around 8:40 a.m. on July 15, 2023, when the Gungpyeong 2 Underpass in Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju City, was flooded due to the overflow of the nearby Miho River. Seventeen vehicles were submerged, resulting in 14 deaths and 16 injuries.
Lee Beomseok, the Mayor of Cheongju, is currently on trial without detention on charges of causing civilian deaths under the Serious Accidents Punishment Act, while Governor Kim was not indicted.
With the second anniversary of the disaster approaching, there is growing social discussion, led by the bereaved families and the National Assembly, about launching a parliamentary investigation.
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