Sangmin Lee Visits Baengnyeongdo "Full Preparedness for North Korean Provocations"

Inspection of Alerts and Evacuation Facilities
Encouragement for Residents and Marine Corps Soldiers

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] Lee Sang-min, Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, visited Baengnyeongdo, the frontline of national security in South Korea, on the 12th to inspect the emergency response posture and to comfort and encourage Baengnyeongdo residents and Marine Corps soldiers.

This visit to Baengnyeongdo was carried out to check on the livelihood and preparedness of Baengnyeongdo residents who are facing difficulties due to the recent increasing military threats such as North Korea's continuous missile provocations and drone intrusions, and to encourage the efforts of frontline Marine Corps soldiers.

First, Minister Lee Sang-min paid tribute and offered incense at the memorial tower for the 46 Cheonan ship heroes who sacrificed their lives in the North Korean torpedo attack, then inspected two civil defense shelters created for resident evacuation in case of emergency.

He examined the overall condition of the shelters, including internal and external facilities such as water supply and drainage systems, generators, heating and cooling devices, as well as the availability of essential items like emergency lights, gas masks for resident evacuation, and first aid kits.

After listening to the emergency evacuation response system from officials of Ongjin County, he urged that frequent inspections be conducted to ensure that residents can safely use the evacuation facilities at any time during wartime or civil defense situations.

He then visited the Baengnyeong-myeon Office to check the normal operation of civil defense alarm facilities and communication systems, and carefully examined through a meeting with residents what difficulties they face in daily life and whether there are any areas needing improvement.

At the residents' meeting, in response to requests such as "We feel uneasy due to North Korea's successive military provocations and need support to create a stable living environment," Minister Lee replied, "We will actively promote related projects such as the West Sea 5 Islands Comprehensive Development Plan to improve the living environment."

Finally, he visited the 6th Marine Brigade to encourage the soldiers who are responsible for security at the frontline of national defense despite the severe cold, and urged them to maintain full readiness to respond swiftly in any situation.

Minister Lee Sang-min of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety said, "The government is fully prepared for any emergency, so please do not be shaken and continue your daily work as usual," and added, "The government will continuously take care to ensure that residents of the West Sea 5 Islands do not experience inconvenience in their lives."

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