Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon visited the wildfire-affected area in Andong, Gyeongbuk, on the 30th with his spouse to comfort the disaster victims. He also considered a plan to pair affected villages with cities and counties in Gyeonggi Province for support. At the scene, he participated in serving jajangmyeon (black bean noodles) and provided massage services to elderly residents by rubbing their arms and legs.
According to Gyeonggi Province, Governor Kim visited the wildfire damage site in Shinduk-ri, Imhae-myeon, Andong, the day before and inspected the area. He met with the families of the disaster victims and said, "Stay strong. It’s fortunate that there were no casualties in the village," adding, "I will see if there is anything else Gyeonggi Province can do to help."
The governor and his spouse visited the welfare center in Imhae-myeon, where residents had evacuated, to greet them and massaged the legs of the elderly while chatting with them. They also engaged with elderly disaster victims while visiting the gymnasium of Andong Seobu Elementary School, providing massages to their legs.
Governor Kim said to a female resident in her 90s, "My mother is alive and she is 90. She became a single parent at 32 and raised us four alone. Seeing you reminds me of my mother," and added, "These days, everyone is living long, so please stay healthy." When another female disaster victim said, "We are in such desperate need, but support is too slow," Kim replied, "Seeing the scene directly breaks my heart. What good is it if the politicians just hear about it and leave?" and promised, "I will find a way, somehow."
He instructed Gyeonggi Province officials to review whether it would be possible to provide support by pairing disaster-affected villages with cities and counties in Gyeonggi Province. He also encouraged Gyeonggi Province firefighters, representatives from the Gyeonggi Province Volunteer Center, and the Gyeonggi Province Nursing Assistants Association who are supporting the affected area. Governor Kim urged them, "I want you to think of us as fellow citizens and do your best until the end, but please pay special attention to your own safety."