Kim Boo-kyum and Won Hee-ryong on the 'Four Major Rivers Controversy': "No Political Strife... Let's Set Aside Political Differences"

Some excerpts from Representative Kim Bu-gyeom's Facebook page

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Amid the controversy between the ruling and opposition parties over the effects of the 'Four Major Rivers Project' during the flood disaster, Kim Boo-kyum, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, and Won Hee-ryong, the opposition presidential candidate and Governor of Jeju, raised their voices to "stop the political strife."

On the 11th, Kim stated on Facebook, "In the face of disaster, comfort and recovery come first."

He said, "The leadership of the United Future Party suddenly brought up the Four Major Rivers and solar power plants. And that was at a site visiting the flood-affected area," adding, "If you went to the flood area, you should quietly help with the recovery efforts. What kind of talk is this? Do you get a thorn in your mouth if you don't provoke, attack, or stir up political strife even for a day?"

Kim said, "Hadong-eup, where about 10,000 residents live, including Hwagae Market, a symbol of Yeongnam and Honam harmony, was completely submerged," and added, "Did you really have to say the bitter-sweet claim that places where the Four Major Rivers Project was carried out did not experience flooding? Please consider the time and place."

He continued, "The claims of the United Future Party are not true," adding, "Not only the Seomjin River but also the Yeongsan River and Nakdong River, where the Four Major Rivers Project was implemented and weirs were installed, experienced levee breaches."

On the same day, Governor Won also said on Facebook, "This is not a time to blame each other over flood damage," and added, "There can be no conservative or progressive, ruling or opposition in natural disasters."

He pointed out, "If I were president, I would have instructed, 'All governments would have done their best to prevent natural disasters. Do not hold any political prejudices or biases, do not question which administration was in power, and seek advice from the top experts,'" and added, "Ideology is not needed in responding to COVID-19 and floods."

Won said, "We must put aside political differences and seek help from the top experts in Korea," and added, "National disasters like natural disasters should be approached not with political logic but with a scientific attitude."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.