[Itaewon Disaster] Governor Kim Dong-yeon’s Urgent Press Conference Full Transcript

Dear residents of Gyeonggi Province,

It has been two days since the accident, but I still find it hard to believe.

This tragic event, which should never have happened, leaves me heartbroken.

I pray for the souls of those who lost their precious lives in this sudden accident.

There were many victims and injured among the residents of Gyeonggi Province in this accident.

As the governor responsible for protecting the lives and safety of the residents,

I feel a heavy responsibility along with deep sorrow.

Once again, I offer my deepest condolences and comfort to the families who are suffering indescribable pain and despair.

Furthermore, I sincerely wish for the speedy recovery of those who are receiving treatment.

Gyeonggi Province will provide all possible support and measures to manage the aftermath and follow-up actions of this accident.

Immediately after the accident, Gyeonggi Province dispatched emergency personnel and vehicles, and activated an emergency response support team led by the First Deputy Governor.

A permanent situation room will be operated within this support team. We will provide one-stop support for the families of the victims and the injured. Public officials from the city and county offices will be assigned one-on-one to assist the families of the victims and the injured to ensure thorough support.

We will fully support not only the residents of Gyeonggi Province but also all others, including residents from other cities and provinces who are hospitalized or placed in hospitals within Gyeonggi Province, with the care and concern as if they were our own family.

At the same time, we will mobilize all available medical support systems to ensure thorough treatment, psychological recovery, and trauma care for the injured.

Events held within the province will be canceled or postponed. For upcoming events, we will conduct thorough management and inspections to ensure they proceed safely.

Additionally, joint memorial altars will be set up today at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Office and the Northern Government Office to mourn together with the residents.

We will stay with the deceased until they rest in peace.

The most important task is not just managing the aftermath but preventing accidents from happening in the first place. Gyeonggi Province will establish safety management plans for all events and festivals to do its utmost to prevent similar accidents.

We, Gyeonggi Province, will fundamentally improve and correct any issues by taking necessary financial and administrative measures to ensure that such accidents never happen again.

Once again, I pray for the souls of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate accident and wish for the swift recovery of the injured.

We will stand with the bereaved families until the accident recovery is complete. Thank you.

October 31, 2022

Governor of Gyeonggi Province, Kim Dong-yeon

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