Government to Operate 'Student Safety Special Period' from After November 17 College Entrance Exam Until Year-End

Discussion on Support Measures for Public Officials Working at Disaster Sites... Promotion of 'Low-Interest Loans' for Small Business Owners in Itaewon Area

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The government will operate a special student safety period from the end of the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) held on the 17th until the end of the year. In addition, it plans to promote support measures such as improving the treatment of public officials working at disaster sites and providing low-interest loans to small business owners in the Itaewon area.

On the 16th, Kim Seong-ho, Director of the Disaster Safety Management Headquarters at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, explained at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) briefing, "Regarding the CSAT to be held tomorrow, we will inspect to ensure that there are no issues with quarantine and safety management not only during the exam period but also after the exam ends," adding, "For the nationwide urban areas where large crowds are expected in 17 cities and provinces, we will thoroughly manage safety through joint pre-inspections and surveillance activities with the police, fire departments, and local governments."

He continued, "From the 17th to December 31st, we will operate a special student safety period to inspect and improve harmful factors affecting youth and create a safe environment."

Furthermore, the government announced that while discussing support measures for public officials working at disaster sites, it will provide low-interest loans to small business owners in the Itaewon area using the Small and Medium Business Development Fund according to the Yongsan District ordinance. Indirect support measures such as extending local tax filing and payment deadlines and postponing delinquent tax enforcement will also be implemented simultaneously.

Director Kim stated, "Through support in five areas including realistic allowance adjustments, disaster compensation and psychological counseling, guaranteeing rest rights, resolving work gaps, and enhancing pride, we will boost the morale of disaster recovery public officials and establish a systematic support and compensation system to respond effectively on-site," adding, "For small business owners in the Itaewon area who are experiencing difficulties, we will provide low-interest loans using the Small and Medium Business Development Fund according to the Yongsan District ordinance."

Meanwhile, as of 9 a.m. today, the death toll from the Itaewon tragedy was counted at 158, with 196 injured.

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