Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Young-hoon said on the 20th that he believes the president will feel a sense of responsibility regarding the Mugunghwa-ho train accident that occurred in Cheongdo, Gyeongsangbuk-do.
During the Environment and Labor Committee meeting at the National Assembly that morning, Minister Kim responded to a question from People Power Party lawmaker Woo Jae-jun, who asked, "KORAIL owns 100% equity from the government; who is responsible for this accident?" by stating, "We should hold those responsible accountable based on the investigation results."
When lawmaker Woo asked, "In general corporations, the owner is responsible for industrial accidents; isn't the owner of KORAIL President Lee Jae-myung?" Kim replied, "The measures to be taken regarding responsibility are a separate issue." When Woo further asked, "What measures should the president take?" Kim said, "I think we should take measures to create a safe railway and a safe workplace."
Lawmaker Woo also inquired, "There have been fatalities due to recent flooding in some areas; whose responsibility is that?" Minister Kim responded, "The relevant authorities will determine the causes and who should be held accountable," adding, "If responsibility is attributed to the president, he will likely be deeply concerned as the highest authority who must prioritize the nation's safety."
Minister Kim stated that he believes the Cheongdo Mugunghwa-ho train accident falls under the category of serious disaster punishable by law.
Meanwhile, around 10:50 a.m. on the 19th, an accident occurred involving 7 workers who were struck by a Mugunghwa train while working near the Gyeongbu Line tracks in Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do. Two of the victims were transported to the hospital in cardiac arrest but later died. Among the remaining workers, 4 sustained serious injuries, and 1 had minor injuries.