Oseong disaster victims to be honored in first joint government memorial ceremony

A joint memorial ceremony led by national and provincial government bodies will officially commemorate the victims of the Oseong subway tunnel disaster, which claimed 14 lives and injured 16 last year. This marks the first time the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, North Chungcheong Province, and Cheongju City are jointly organizing such an event, signaling a renewed focus on remembrance and disaster prevention.

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Disasters must be prevented before they occur, not just responded to after the fact. Citizen safety is the fundamental duty of administration.

The ceremony, themed 'Three Years in Oseong: Beyond Memory and Mourning for a Safer Tomorrow,' will take place on August 15th. It will feature the premiere of a memorial video produced by the provincial government, reflecting on the three years since the tragedy and reaffirming a commitment to safety. Previously, memorial services were primarily organized by victim support groups and civic committees at the disaster site or near the provincial government office.

North Chungcheong Province Governor Shin Hyun-han and Cheongju Mayor Lee Jang-sup participated in a memorial ritual at a temporary public altar on August 6th. Governor Shin stressed that "disasters must be prevented before they occur, not just responded to after the fact. Citizen safety is the fundamental duty of administration." During the designated "Oseong Tragedy Remembrance Week," provincial and city employees will wear remembrance ribbons and refrain from alcohol-fueled gatherings.

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The Oseong tragedy is a painful sacrifice for which the administration must take full responsibility. We must move beyond grief to learn lessons for prevention. I would offer an apology as mayor if necessary.

In a significant development, Cheongju Mayor Lee Jang-sup stated, "The Oseong tragedy is a painful sacrifice for which the administration must take full responsibility. We must move beyond grief to learn lessons for prevention." He added that he would offer an apology as mayor if necessary. This comes as victim groups have called for accountability from former provincial governor Kim Young-hwan and former Cheongju mayor Lee Beom-seok, who deny direct responsibility. The provincial assembly is also considering the installation of a memorial sculpture and the creation of a dedicated memorial space, with assembly chairman Lee Sang-sik expressing positive cooperation with the provincial government's plans.

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There is a consensus with the province on installing a memorial sculpture and creating a memorial space. If the province establishes related plans and budgets, we will positively cooperate.