"Reviewing Systems to Address Gaps in Disaster Support"
"Protecting People's Lives Is the Fundamental Reason for the State's Existence"
Shin Jeonghun, Chairman of the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee, visited Hampyeong Cheonji Traditional Market again on the last day of the Chuseok holiday, September 9, to check on the restoration status two months after the summer heavy rain damage. Photo by Shin Jeonghun's office
Shin Jeonghun, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea representing Naju and Hwasun in South Jeolla Province and Chairman of the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee, visited Hampyeong Cheonji Traditional Market again on September 9, the last day of the Chuseok holiday, to closely inspect the recovery status two months after the market suffered severe damage from extreme summer rainfall. Accompanied by Hampyeong County Mayor Lee Sangik, County Council Chairman Lee Namoh, and others, Assemblyman Shin inspected the site and listened attentively to the concerns of merchants seeking to address gaps in the disaster support system.
During the visit, merchants expressed their gratitude for the government's prompt payment of advance compensation but appealed for improvements, pointing out that low-credit individuals and unregistered merchants were excluded from support and have not received practical assistance. They stressed the need to address these institutional blind spots.
In response, Assemblyman Shin emphasized, "Disaster damage does not discriminate based on income or credit rating," underscoring that all citizens must be equally protected in the face of disasters. He specifically pledged, "I will thoroughly review and improve the entire disaster support system so that even low-credit and unregistered merchants can receive assistance."
Assemblyman Shin further stated, "Protecting the lives of our people and helping those affected to recover is the fundamental reason for the state's existence and its duty," calling for a proactive role from the government.
He likened Hampyeong Cheonji Traditional Market to "the heart of the local community, beyond just an economic site," and said he would focus on developing measures to minimize future disaster damage. He announced plans to actively consider building preventive infrastructure, such as improving drainage facilities and expanding electrical safety equipment, and said he would request financial support from the central government for these initiatives.
Meanwhile, Assemblyman Shin emphasized, "The revival of Hampyeong Cheonji Traditional Market is thanks to the perseverance of the merchants and the solidarity of the county residents," pledging to do his utmost for the recovery of the local economy through politics that seeks answers in the field of people's livelihoods.
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