Kim Ki-hyun on Lee Sang-min's Controversial Remarks: "Be Careful with Words That Don't Share the Pain"

"Police Personnel Deployment, Poor Judgment"
"Party Convention, As Soon As Possible If Feasible"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Hyun-ji] Kim Ki-hyun, a member of the People Power Party, criticized on the 31st the remarks made by Lee Sang-min, Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, regarding the ‘Itaewon Halloween disaster,’ saying, “It was not a problem that could be solved simply by pre-deploying police and firefighters,” and stated, “Words and actions that do not show solidarity with the pain of the people should be cautious.”

On the same day, on MBC Radio’s ‘Kim Jong-bae’s Focus,’ in response to the host’s question implying ‘there are criticisms of the minister’s remarks,’ Kim said, “I agree with that point.”

Regarding the negligence in advance preparations by the police and local governments, he said, “At that time, there were many rallies and protests near City Hall and Gwanghwamun, especially consecutive rallies on weekends and Saturdays, so it seems they did not recognize the importance of deploying personnel to Itaewon,” adding, “It was not a very good judgment.”

He also mentioned the need for joint responses between the ruling and opposition parties. He said, “Some members of the Democratic Party of Korea immediately mentioned the incident as if engaging in political strife, which caused public displeasure,” but added, “I appreciate that they took down the posts themselves and that the Democratic Party expressed willingness to cooperate.” He continued, “There are shortcomings that we had not considered before, and since legal amendments may be necessary for the required institutional improvements, I think the Democratic Party should cooperate in this.”

Regarding the timing of the party convention, he stated, “Various internal and external circumstances are difficult, so it is being delayed little by little, but if possible, I think it would be better to hold it soon.” In response to interpretations that the party convention might be postponed due to the delay of the Special Committee on Organizational Strengthening, he drew a line, saying, “There is not necessarily a functional relationship linking the two.”

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