Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik on the 9th ordered a comprehensive review of the wildfire response system and public library book selection procedures. Kang conveyed President Lee Jae-myung's directive to "deliver results starting from small matters" and urged public officials to perform their duties proactively.
Deputy Spokesperson Jeon Eun-su announced through a written briefing that Kang chaired a meeting with senior secretaries and aides at Cheong Wa Dae and reviewed the Gyeongju wildfire situation. Kang first stated, "The wildfire that broke out in Gyeongju last weekend spread rapidly amid dry air and strong winds, leading to two national firefighting mobilization orders being issued. Despite the urgent situation, casualties were prevented thanks to swift response from relevant agencies and resident evacuation measures."
He emphasized, "Special preventive measures are needed ahead of March, when wildfire risk increases significantly." Kang instructed the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, Korea Forest Service, and National Fire Agency to conduct comprehensive inspections of wildfire-vulnerable areas in February and report effective fire prevention measures. He also urged the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, Korea Electric Power Corporation, and Korea Electrical Safety Corporation to promptly conduct safety inspections of electrical facilities and implement necessary supplementary measures, given the high risk of fires from aging electrical infrastructure.
Improving public library book selection procedures was also addressed as a key issue. Kang expressed deep concern over the placement of certain books that entirely deny the history of Japanese military comfort women victims and forced mobilization in public libraries nationwide. He stated, "The circulation of content that denies historical truth and undermines victims' dignity as public library books purchased with taxpayer money is not a matter to be taken lightly."
He added, "Freedom of expression and freedom of publication must be respected, but protection does not extend to the dissemination of clearly false information." Kang instructed relevant ministries to "comprehensively review and develop improvement measures for book selection criteria, placement standards, and guidelines to prevent public libraries from being exploited as channels for historical distortion."
At the meeting's conclusion, Kang also addressed public service discipline and responsible administration. He said, "Today, the President instructed us to deliver clear results and bring closure starting from small matters. We must always remember that failing to address small gaps in time allows them to grow until they become unmanageable." He urged officials, "When pursuing any matter, do not settle for passive responses of merely 'following procedures,' but approach with a stern, resolute, and proactive attitude."
Kang stated, "As the Lee Jae-myung administration enters its ninth month, it is time to reflect on whether we have unknowingly been making compromises. I ask everyone to recommit themselves in their respective positions and do their utmost with responsibility."