Hwaseong Factory Fire (Breaking) Governor Kim Dong-yeon: "Approach This as Your Own Work, Thinking of Those Close to You Who Have Sacrificed"

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Kim Gab-dong] Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon urged provincial government officials working on the Hwaseong factory fire accident response to "approach this as your own work, thinking of those close to you who have sacrificed."

Governor Kim held an emergency countermeasures meeting at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government building on the 25th, saying "from the accident response through complete resolution of mid- to long-term institutional improvements and necessary measures for migrant workers, please do your best."

Governor Kim, who visited the site twice on the 24th, the day of the accident, to issue directives, also issued additional orders on specific accident response measures including the setup of a joint memorial altar and support for migrant workers.

Governor Kim first said, "We must prepare a space where bereaved families in such a difficult situation can stay," and "there is a need for communication spaces at the provincial government and Hwaseong City Hall as well."

He continued, "For each victim, assign one staff member each from the provincial government and city hall to support funeral procedures and ensure that bereaved families' opinions are sufficiently reflected," urging support for bereaved families.

He also requested acceleration in victim identification and the setup of a joint memorial altar. Governor Kim said, "Cooperate with the relevant agencies to quickly confirm the identities of the victims and proceed with funeral procedures, and coordinate with city hall to quickly set up a joint memorial altar. Separately, I would like to create a space at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government building where residents can come to pay their respects."

Regarding support for foreign migrant workers, he emphasized that efforts should be made to support even those with illegal status. Governor Kim stressed, "Regardless of how they came to Korea, or even if they entered illegally through irregular means, they are those who sacrificed while working in Gyeonggi Province, so I ask you not to question them but to see them off with care. Furthermore, if there are bereaved family members abroad, please support them with airfare, accommodation costs, and interpreter services so we can show consideration to the end."

Governor Kim particularly noted regarding the accident response process, "Looking at this accident, I recalled the Itaewon disaster. At that time, due to distrust caused by not providing accurate information or acknowledging mistakes, we are currently bearing significant social costs. Taking the Itaewon disaster as a cautionary tale, please actively inform the public transparently of facts and information as they are, and Gyeonggi Province's response situation."

He also issued directives for mid- to long-term measures. Governor Kim said, "We must create measures addressing housing, medical, educational, and safety issues for migrant workers," and emphasized, "In particular, I would like preparations to ensure that children from multicultural families can receive proper education to become competitive South Korean citizens."

Meanwhile, Governor Kim Dong-yeon plans to visit the fire site again on the afternoon of the 25th to announce additional support measures on the part of Gyeonggi Province.