South Korea holds joint memorial for Oseong disaster victims, president vows to prioritize safety

Three years after the Oseong underpass disaster claimed 14 lives and injured 16, a joint memorial ceremony was held, marking the first time central and local government bodies, including the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, North Chungcheong Province, and Cheongju City, have co-hosted such an event with victims' families and civic groups.

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The Oseong underpass tragedy left a painful lesson for our society. We will not forget this tragedy and will not forget that the state's primary duty is to protect the lives and safety of the people.

President Lee Jae-myung, whose remarks were read by Senior Secretary for Listening and Integration Jeon Sung-hwan, stated that the Oseong underpass tragedy left a "painful lesson" for society. He pledged that the government would not forget the incident and would prioritize its primary duty of protecting citizens' lives and safety, vowing to ensure everyone returns home safely. The President offered his heartfelt condolences to the victims.

North Chungcheong Province Governor Shin Yong-han and Cheongju Mayor Lee Jang-seop, the top disaster safety officials for their respective regions, bowed their heads to the bereaved families and citizens. Governor Shin acknowledged the disaster as a "man-made incident" stemming from a lack of disaster preparedness and response systems, not a natural calamity. He promised to expedite the creation of a memorial space for the victims. Mayor Lee apologized for the failures and pledged to uphold safety as a fundamental administrative responsibility.

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The Oseong disaster was a man-made incident that revealed a lack of disaster preparedness and response systems, not a natural disaster. We will accelerate the creation of a memorial space to remember the victims forever.

Lee Gyeong-gu, co-representative of the Oseong Disaster Bereaved Families Association, expressed thanks for the leaders' messages, calling the day a "first step towards a safer South Korea." The ceremony included a joint incense offering, memorial speeches, and a commemorative performance. A video produced by North Chungcheong Province, featuring news reports, videos, and photos related to the disaster, was also shown.

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As the mayor of Cheongju, I apologize to the bereaved families and survivors. Safety is the basic duty of administration, and we will fulfill that responsibility.

Despite the joint ceremony, families and survivor groups continue to call for accountability from former officials, including ex-Governor Kim Young-hwan and ex-Cheongju Mayor Lee Beom-seok, who have previously denied direct responsibility for the accident. The groups are still urging for the clarification and punishment of those responsible.

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Thank you for the memorial messages from the President, the Governor of North Chungcheong Province, and the Mayor of Cheongju, the top safety officials. We hope today becomes the first step towards a safer South Korea.