Prime Minister Han Duck-soo Suggests Reshuffling of Vice Minister-Level Official for Mishandling Deadly Flooding

By Kim Han-joo

SEOUL, July 31 (Yonhap) – Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has proposed to President Yoon Suk Yeol the reshuffling of a vice minister-level official due to his alleged mishandling of a tragic underpass flooding incident that resulted in the loss of 14 lives earlier this month, according to officials from the ruling party.

The flooding occurred on July 15 in Osong, located in western Cheongju, approximately 112 kilometers southeast of Seoul. Torrential downpours caused the water level to rise, leading to the collapse of an embankment and the submersion of several vehicles, including a bus.

An inspection conducted by the Office for Government Policy Coordination, under the Prime Minister’s Office, revealed negligence on the part of the National Agency for Administrative City Construction (NAACC), a state body responsible for the development of the administrative city of Sejong.

The director of NAACC failed to supervise the construction of a nearby bridge, resulting in the demolition of the original embankment and the construction of a weak emergency embankment. This weak structure was identified as one of the main causes of the deadly flooding.

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The proposal for the reshuffle was made during a weekly meeting at the presidential office. President Yoon has not yet responded to the suggestion, indicating that a reshuffle is likely to result in the official’s dismissal.

In addition to the replacement of the vice minister, Prime Minister Han also recommended further reshuffling of other high-ranking government officials, as well as fire and police officers in the district responsible for the accident.

Every Monday, the president and prime minister convene at the presidential office to discuss state affairs, usually during lunch.

khj@yna.co.kr (END)