Interior minister visits police and fire stations ahead of Chuseok

Interior Minister Yoon Ho-joong visited local police and fire stations in Jungnang, Gangdong and Gwangjin districts on Wednesday to inspect safety preparations ahead of the Chuseok holiday.

Yoon toured facilities in the districts, reviewing special holiday security plans and protocols for protecting socially vulnerable groups. He emphasized the need for flawless operations during the holiday period given the area's high density of entertainment venues and traffic hubs, which drive frequent emergency dispatch demands.

Addressing recent controversies regarding false closures of missing person cases, Yoon stressed that authorities must recognize these flaws seriously and restore public trust through swift initial responses and fair law enforcement. "We must strictly recognize problems in the police investigation process, such as the false conclusion of missing person cases," Yoon said.

At the Gangdong Fire Station, the minister checked readiness for emergency dispatches and reviewed fire safety strategies. Noting that old housing units continue to suffer fatal fires, he urged officials to focus on early detection and suppression, specifically calling for the installation of standalone smoke detectors and automatic spreading extinguishers. "Since human damage continues due to fires in old houses, please check prevention measures to detect and extinguish fires early," he told firefighters who are working while leaving time with their families.

The tour concluded at Jayang Traditional Market, a representative alleyway market established in 1972, where Yoon inspected safety facilities designed to protect elderly pedestrians and spoke with seniors participating in safety education programs.

"The proportion of elderly pedestrians dying in traffic accidents reaches 67 percent of all traffic fatalities, and accidents occur frequently around traditional markets," Yoon said. He pledged to reduce such casualties by designating senior protection zones and installing protective fences.

While walking through the market stalls, the minister purchased holiday goods to check current prices and listened to concerns raised by local merchants. "I will carefully take care of the field from security and fire measures to grocery prices during the holiday," Yoon said, wishing for a Chuseok where all people can feel safe.