Song Young-gil Visits 'Gwangju Apartment Collapse' Site, Vows to Do His Best (Summary)

Ordered Hyundai Development Company to take responsibility for missing person search and damage compensation

Victims' families request "Please prioritize firefighters first," response: "We will do so"

Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is visiting the site of the newly constructed apartment collapse accident in Gwangju on the 26th, talking with the victims' families. Photo by Jo Hyung-ju

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, visited the site of the newly built apartment collapse in Gwangju on the 26th to inspect the scene and promised more active support.

Leader Song arrived at the site around 10:30 a.m. that day.

After receiving a briefing on the situation at a meeting with representatives of the families of the missing and officials from the Central Accident Response Headquarters (CARH), he urged Hyundai Development Company to take more active responsibility.

Leader Song requested, "For the honor and survival of Hyundai Development, please take full responsibility and promptly carry out recovery efforts, search for the missing, ensure safety, and compensate the affected buyers here."

After the meeting, Leader Song told reporters, "Regardless of disciplinary actions, Hyundai Development must thoroughly implement recovery and compensation for damages for the sake of its own honor."

He added, "The families of the victims repeatedly asked that rescue operations proceed with attention to the safety of the firefighters. I was moved by their sentiment and was brought to tears."

He also stated, "As the ruling party, we will accept the criticism from the victims' families humbly and do our best in the search and accident recovery."

Furthermore, he said, "Although the amendment to the Building Management Act has passed, the Special Construction Safety Act and the Framework Act on the Construction Industry, which address subcontracting issues, are still pending in the National Assembly. The Democratic Party will do its utmost to ensure their passage during deliberations."

Earlier, on his way to the meeting room, Leader Song tried to stop by the tent where the victims' families were gathered to greet them, but the families refused, causing a brief commotion.

When Leader Song and others appeared, they shouted, "Why are you only showing up now?" and "If Honam is the Democratic Party's stronghold, shouldn't you have come first immediately after the accident?"

After the meeting, Leader Song met separately with the families of the missing.

They requested, "Please take care of the firefighters first," and Leader Song responded, "I will do so. Stay strong," shaking hands before parting ways.

The families explained the reason for their initial protest, saying, "We meant for you to focus on what needs to be done centrally rather than visiting the complicated site, and to demonstrate your capabilities. We are doing this because we support and love the Democratic Party."

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