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President Lee Jae-myung lays flowers at the “10.29 Memorial Alley” in Itaewon, Yongsan District, Seoul, on June 12. Lee visited the site and ordered personnel reforms to strengthen safety management in response to past national disasters. / Source: Yonhap News

President Lee Jae-myung visited the Itaewon disaster memorial site in Yongsan, Seoul, on June 12, directing officials to push forward personnel reforms for disaster management. He also emphasized strengthening public servants' authority and establishing a clear compensation system for safety-related roles.

Speaking at the Han River Flood Control Center earlier that day, President Lee addressed recent tragedies—including the Sewol ferry sinking, the Itaewon crowd crush, and the Osong underpass flood—saying, “I want to make it absolutely clear that such incidents will never happen under the Lee Jae-myung administration.” Donning a yellow civil defense jacket, he stressed the importance of disaster prevention, minimizing damage when disasters do occur, and ensuring rapid recovery.

“Among national security priorities, protecting the lives and safety of our people from disasters is one of the most vital,” Lee said. “Livelihood issues are important, but nothing is more important than protecting lives. I hope public officials truly take this to heart.”

He also called for accountability and support, saying, “We must clearly state that those responsible will be held strictly accountable afterward. At the same time, we must not rely solely on coercive measures—we need a clear and fair compensation system.”

Lee ordered his aides to draft a personnel reform plan that would include enhanced authority, improved status, and sufficient compensation for officials responsible for safety management.

Following a 1-hour-20-minute inspection of flood forecasting and alert systems at the control center, Lee made a surprise visit to the Itaewon memorial path, according to presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung. At the site, he read a plaque that read, “We still have names we must remember,” laid a flower beneath the “10.29 Memorial Alley” billboard, and held a 10-second silent tribute.

He also spoke with Itaewon residents and merchants, asking, “How is business in this alley these days?” and “What about key money? I heard that’s a good indicator of the situation.” His visit to the memorial lasted about 10 minutes.