[Gwanga in] 'Drinking Restraint Order' Issued at Sejong Government Complex Following Osong Disaster

On the 15th, following the unprecedented heavy rain that caused numerous casualties in the Chungbuk 'Osong Underpass Disaster,' government officials in Sejong City are refraining from gatherings such as dinners and group meetings. This decision comes amid nationwide landslides and flooding incidents, deeming group dinners and meetings inappropriate. Notably, the disaster site is a frequently used route for commuting to and from the Government Complex Sejong, which has reportedly intensified the shock among the officials working there.

According to government sources on the 19th, the Office for Government Policy Coordination recently urged all ministries to be cautious about excessive drinking and disturbances in relation to flood recovery efforts and maintaining public service discipline during the vacation season. Given the ongoing spread of damage caused by the heavy rains nationwide, they requested that public officials refrain as much as possible from speech and behavior that could lead to public criticism.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Chu Kyung-ho, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, who is currently visiting India to attend the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting, is also reported to have advised his staff locally to limit alcohol consumption. A Ministry of Economy and Finance official stated, "Deputy Prime Minister Chu recommended restraint in drinking considering the severe situation caused by the heavy rain damage, and most executives are postponing or canceling their evening schedules."

The Ministry of Environment, the main agency responsible for flood management, has canceled all scheduled major events nationwide due to flooding damage and has started working overtime and overnight shifts daily for flood recovery. Some officials have effectively given up their planned summer vacations. Particularly, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy is in a more solemn mood than ever, as some family members of the Osong disaster victims are employees within the ministry.

The reason ministries are so subdued is due to repeated public criticism of inappropriate behavior within the public sector whenever major disasters occur. On the day of the Osong Underpass Disaster, a senior official from Chungbuk Province was shown smiling during a site visit on broadcast, which sparked public outrage. A notable example from the past is when about 100 public officials from the Gyeonggi region, which recorded the highest number of casualties during the 2014 Sewol ferry disaster, proceeded with an overseas training trip. This was criticized as inappropriate given the mourning atmosphere, as the training took place in Europe and Southeast Asia.

As a result, restaurants near the government complex are noticeably quieter than usual. Some establishments have even closed earlier than their usual business hours due to fewer customers. One ministry official said, "Especially with the Osong Underpass Disaster, the shock within the office is significant because I felt I could have been a victim myself."

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