Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung said on the 10th, "During the Lunar New Year holiday, respond with all-out efforts 'to the point it may seem excessive' so there are no gaps in situation management."
The Minister held a "pan-government inspection meeting on safety management measures for the Lunar New Year holiday" at the Government Complex Seoul this afternoon and stated accordingly, "Starting this weekend, the Lunar New Year holiday, the biggest holiday of the year, begins."
"While we feel excited and elated, unfortunately this is also a time when risks grow," the Minister said, adding, "In fact, during the holiday period, travel volume surges, leading to about a 20% increase in traffic accident casualties compared with normal times, and fires occur frequently as the use of open flames rises for holiday preparations."
The Minister also said, "Wildfires are a concern due to dry air and strong winds."
The Minister said, "Given that a variety of risk factors are a concern, we must keep in mind that our dedication leads to a comfortable Lunar New Year holiday," and added, "Please make every effort to manage safety during the holiday period."
He then urged, "Establish seamless 24-hour situation management, on-site centered prevention activities, and a warm safety net."
In addition, the Minister said, "There must not be even the slightest negligence in preventing wildfires," adding, "This year, dry weather continues with January precipitation at only 20% of the average, and for the first time ever, the crisis alert 'caution' level was issued in January, making the likelihood of wildfires higher than ever."