The Democratic Party of Korea announced on the 15th that it would actively push for necessary measures, including a government investigation to clarify the facts and prevent a recurrence, on the occasion of the second anniversary of the Osong underground tunnel disaster.
Kim Byeong-ki, acting leader of the Democratic Party and floor leader, criticized during that day's floor strategy meeting, saying, "The Osong disaster is a typical human disaster caused by complacent and irresponsible responses," adding, "Over the past three years of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, human disasters and accidents have continued to occur, but instead of an apology, no one has taken responsibility. There have also been no measures for clarifying the facts or preventing recurrence."
He continued, "The Lee Jae-myung government will be different," and stated, "President Lee Jae-myung clearly promised to investigate the facts related to the Osong disaster at his inauguration ceremony. Yesterday, he visited the site of the Osong disaster to check the newly prepared safety devices."
He also said, "The Democratic Party will actively push for necessary measures, including a government investigation to clarify the facts and prepare measures to prevent a recurrence of the Osong disaster."
Regarding the controversy over drinking during the mourning period for Kim Young-hwan, the Chungbuk governor affiliated with the People Power Party, he expressed strong regret, citing inappropriate conduct. Jin Sung-joon, chair of the Democratic Party's policy committee, criticized, "Governor Kim held a drinking gathering during the two-week mourning period he declared," and continued, "The People Power Party, which was incompetent in preventing and responding to the Osong disaster, is deceiving the public even in the mourning period," urging a responsible attitude.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party also announced its policy to mobilize all efforts for livelihood measures in response to the record-breaking heat and soaring prices of agricultural, livestock, and fishery products.
The floor leader presented the urgent task of responding to the ongoing heatwave and heatflation (a phenomenon where prices soar as agricultural and fishery production decreases due to heat). He stated, "In the market, a whole watermelon is nearing 30,000 won, and a single cabbage is reported to have exceeded 4,000 won. The livestock that have died in large numbers has already reached 500,000," emphasizing, "The Democratic Party will respond quickly in line with the emergency situation facing people's livelihoods."
Earlier that morning, the Democratic Party held a meeting with the government to discuss comprehensive measures including accident prevention, agricultural support, and power supply. On the 16th, the party's inflation policies task force (TF) will visit the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) to check the current status. Additionally, the party's floor leadership, Euljiro Committee, and industrial accident TF plan to directly inspect the situation of heat response at the Coupang logistics center.
The floor leader emphasized, "The Democratic Party and the government will ensure the safety of the public and the livelihood economy by preparing thorough and exceptional measures against the heat prices."