Visit to Sewol ferry memorial altar and fire station without inauguration event on 1st day

◇ Nam Kyung-pil, the 34th Governor of Gyeonggi Province, was officially sworn into office on July 1, and paid his respects at the Suwon Hyeonchungtap Memorial Tower. ⓒGyeongi G-News, You Jae-hoon

The 34th Governor of Gyeonggi Province, Nam Kyung-pil, officially took office on July 1. 

Incoming Gyeonggi Governor Nam, elected by popular vote during the 6th local elections in Korea, began his term in office by paying his respects at the Suwon Hyenochungtap Memorial Tower at 7:40 am on July 1, forgoing an official inauguration ceremony.  

Governor Nam visited and burned incense at the Sewol ferry memorial altar in Ansan with incoming Gyeonggi Education Superintendent Lee Jae-jeong. Guided by Kim Young-tae (48, former professor of Seorabeol University), the director of the administration headquarters for the memorial altar, Governor Nam was briefed on the present status of victims, bereaved families and the facility,

In the guest book, Governor Nam wrote: ‘Your sacrifices will never be forgotten. I will try harder to create a safe Gyeonggi Province and a safe Korea.’

An unofficial interview session took place between Governor Nam, Superintendent Lee and families of the victims, and concerns regarding safety issues including the temporary construction of the memorial altar ahead of the monsoon season were discussed.  

◇ Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam talks with Kim Young-tae(48, former professor of Seorabeol University), the director of the administration headquarters for the memorial altar, after paying his respects at the Sewol ferry memorial altar in Ansan.  ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News You Jae-hoon

◇ Gyeonggi Governor Nam Kyung-pil addresses the Gyeonggi Province General Disaster Command Center. ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News You Jae-hoon

At 10:50 that morning, Governor Nam visited the Gyeonggi Province General Disaster Command Center and examined specific hazard subject 3D training (Suwon E-mart), viewed a demonstration of a training simulation (underground street), and took part in a video conference with representatives of 38 organizations including four relevant agencies such as city/county fire stations and the Pyeongtaek Coast Guard. 

Ahead of the video conference, Governor Nam said, “Before the conference, may I ask you to take a moment to pay silent tribute to the victims of the Jindo Sewol ferry disaster and their families?” He added, “We should renew our resolve so that disasters such as this never occur again in Gyeonggi Province and Korea.”

He talked with representatives of relevant agencies including fire stations in the cities of Pyeongtaek, Dongducheon, Anseong, Suwon and Ansan as well as the Second Fleet Command at the conference. 

“I heard of safety concerns regarding the memorial altar during interviews with the victims’ families today,” Governor Nam noted in particular. “I would like to ask the Ansan fire station to discuss preparation measures for the upcoming monsoon season, as well as countermeasure provision by Gyeonggi Province and Ansan City”.

Afterwards, in response to a question about innovative provincial government at a press interview, Governor Nam said, “I will first realize happy citizens and residents through job creation and safe, warm communities.” He added, “Innovation is to change myself, as governor. I will achieve this through bipartisan consultations. I will try to create a harmonious society.”

◇ Governor Nam visited the Gyeonggi Province General Disaster Command Center and inspected specific hazard subject 3D training (Suwon E-mart) ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News You Jae-hoon

◇ Governor Nam Kyung-pil receives a briefing on firefighting equipment from a firefighting officer at the Gyeonggi Province Fire and Disaster Headquarters. ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News You Jae-hoon

 After a luncheon with firefighting officers, Governor Nam toured Seongnam Central Market, a traditional market, with Seongnam City Mayor Lee Jae-myoung and Small and Medium Business Administration Deputy Head Kim Sun-cheol, and concluded a business agreement for the support of market reconstruction. Seongnam Central Market had received an ‘E’ grade, the lowest grade of potential disaster risk, regarding which the governor promised reconstruction support during his election campaign.  

According to that agreement, Gyeonggi Province and the Small and Medium Business Administration will support necessary governmental and provincial expenditures for the reconstruction project, while Seongnam City will work to secure administrative procedures and the budget necessary for the project.  

During his introductory address, Governor Nam said, “In the middle of Seongnam, a market has been neglected after a fire. Seongnam City, merchants and the Small and Medium Business Administration must take interest and solve this problem together.” He added, “Merchants should have a place where they can engage in their occupations safely and happily, and consumers should have a safe shopping area. Let’s move forward together for the re-launch of the Seongnam Central Market.”

After the signing ceremony, Governor Nam toured the scene of the fire in the market, and greeted merchants while shopping at the market and at the neighboring Hyundai market. 

After the visit to the Seongnam Central Market, Governor Nam arrived at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex at 3:40 pm. He finished his first day as governor by being sworn into office. The main content of the gubernatorial oath reads: ‘I shall comply with legislation, and faithfully undertake the duties of governor in order to enhance resident welfare, develop the regional community, and realize national policies.’  

◇ Governor Nam Kyung-pil greets market merchants during his visit to the Seongnam Central Market on the afternoon of his first day as governor. ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News You Jae-hoon

◇ On the scene of a fire in Seongnam Central Market, Governor Nam Kyung-pil offers encouragement, strengthening resolve for re-launch of the market after recovery from the disaster. ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News You Jae-hoon

ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News | Kim Jin-kyoung jinkyoung_kim@nate.com

http://gnews.gg.go.kr/news/news_detail.asp?number=201407011607317055C048&s_code=C048