Ruling and Opposition Parties United in Criticizing Ministry and KORAIL Over Cheongdo Train Accident: "Accountability Must Be Pursued"

Ruling Party: "It Is the Government's Responsibility to Establish Thorough Measures"
Opposition: "'As Head of the Government That Owns 100% of KORAIL, President Lee Must Take Responsibility'"

On August 21, both the ruling and opposition parties criticized the response of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) to the fatal train accident on the Gyeongbu Line in Cheongdo, North Gyeongsang Province, calling it a "clear man-made disaster."

Assemblyman An Taejun of the Democratic Party of Korea pointed out during the full meeting of the National Assembly's Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee that day, addressing KORAIL Vice President Jeong Jeongrae, "The work approval time is recorded as 10:45, but the worker had already entered at 10:43:55. Accountability must be clearly established," he said.

Assemblyman Yeom Taeyoung of the Democratic Party also stated, "Although President Lee Jaemyung has emphasized safety since taking office, I regret that widespread disregard for safety across society has led to accidents. It is the government's responsibility to establish thorough measures to prevent such incidents from happening again."

Kim Yoonduk, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, is attending the full meeting of the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee held at the National Assembly on the 21st and responding to questions from lawmakers. Photo by Yonhap News

Assemblywoman Kim Eunhye of the People Power Party told Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Yoonduk, "A person has died, so there cannot be different standards for the private sector and public enterprises. If there are, it is unfair. If the President applies this logic to the private sector, then as the head of a government that owns 100% of KORAIL's shares, the President must take responsibility."

Assemblyman Yoon Jaeok said, "Between 2020 and 2024, 155 people have died from industrial accidents at public enterprises and quasi-public institutions, and half of them were under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Stronger measures must be taken regarding safety accidents in the public sector," he demanded.

However, the parties showed differing opinions regarding Incheon International Airport Corporation filing a complaint against workers who protested and demanded job succession during the contract process with a new service provider.

Assemblyman Han Junho of the Democratic Party criticized, "Instead of apologizing, the company filed a complaint against workers who protested in 35-degree weather while earning minimum wage," while Assemblyman Kim Doeup of the People Power Party urged, "Firm measures must be taken against the illegal occupation of public facilities to prevent recurrence."