Aloof, detached and irresponsible

The toll from the deadly monsoon and flooding is rising with more than 40 dead and mounting asset damages. During this difficult time, inconsiderate comments and behavior from politicians are disheartening the victims and angering the public. Democratic Party (DP) Rep. Kim Eui-kyeom said what President Yoon Suk Yeol said and did in his surprise visit to war-torn Ukraine was like pushing “the fate of the country and people to the underpass” in Osong-eup, North Chungcheong that killed at least 14 with 17 vehicles trapped in the tunnel from flooding from nearby river.

To criticize President Yoon’s stop in Ukraine during a war with Russia, he used the deadly tragedy. Amid outrage over the use of sufferings of the people who had lost their loved ones, Kim apologized for making “inappropriate comparison.” He also was censored by the DP to watch his behavior.

Officials from the governing People Power Party (PPP) also came under fire. Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo, a member of the PPP, caused controversy for playing golf during the weekend when landslides from downpours caused casualties in surrounding North Gyeongsang. Hong retorted on his social media page that he has the rights to enjoy his privacy during the weekend since Daegu was less affected by flooding. He argued that there was no rule banning government officials from playing golf during weekends. When reporters pursued the question, he attacked them for ganging up on him. The mayor wrote on Facebook that politicking on public sentiment is outdated.

PPP leaders scorned him for failing to regret his misbehavior. Some sneered that he should give up politics if he does not agree with public sentiment.

The tactless show went on. When PPP leader Kim Gi-hyeon promised to propose to declare the flood-hit regions in South Chungcheong as a “special disaster zone” while visiting the damaged farmland, Rep. Chung Jin-suk standing next to him suddenly invited the crowd to applaud the idea. Lawmakers were seen clapping before the distressed farmers whose homes and fields were destroyed by floods. Land Minister Won Hee-ryong was spotted interviewing with the press on a road where busy tow trucks had to travel to help with the rescue.

All the attention and endeavors must concentrate on preventing further damage and speeding repair works. The losses and sufferings of the victims must be compensated. Exploiting disasters and pain for political wrangling and insensitive actions by politicians only add to public distress. The presidential office said, “Even if President Yoon cuts his overseas trip short, he cannot change the flood damage.” Such an attitude can be seen as irresponsible and inconsiderate to the public. It was the president who had promised to be the head of the command center for disaster and public safety.