On March 26, 2025, Song Seok-jun, a member of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee of the National Assembly and a representative from the People Power Party, delivered a poignant message during an emergency press conference. He addressed the devastating forest fires that have swept across South Korea, claiming the lives of 18 individuals and causing extensive damage. "Eighteen people have already lost their lives due to forest fires that occurred simultaneously across the country, and the damage from forest fires is increasing exponentially," he stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
As the fires rage on, Song urged political leaders to put aside their differences and focus on the national disaster at hand. He implored, "Now is the time to stop wasteful political strife and concentrate all efforts on responding to the national disaster." His call for unity came as the country grapples with a crisis that has affected numerous families and communities.
During his remarks, Song expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, particularly honoring the firefighters and public officials who lost their lives while battling the blazes. "I pray for the souls of the people who died in the forest fires and the firefighters, public officials, and others who died while fighting the forest fires, and I express my deepest condolences to their bereaved families," he said, reinforcing the human cost of the disaster.
Critically, Song criticized some politicians who, amid the chaos, have been preoccupied with partisan conflicts, including attempts to impeach the president and engage in power struggles. He remarked, "The problem is that some politicians are obsessed with impeaching the president and the acting president and are obsessed with the bulletproofing of the opposition party leader, without even considering this dangerous situation where a national fire mobilization order has been issued." This pointed critique underscores the disconnect between political maneuvering and the pressing needs of the public.
Apologizing to the nation, he acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, "As a member of the political world, I bow my head to the people and apologize." He emphasized that the country is facing a total disaster, with citizens losing lives, significant property destruction, and cultural heritage at stake. "Now is not the time to waste national capabilities on wasteful political strife and confrontation," he asserted.
Song’s appeal extended to all political factions, urging them to unite. "We must unite beyond the ruling and opposition parties and make all-out efforts to quickly recover from the wildfire damage and prevent additional disasters," he implored. His request for collaboration was clear: "I earnestly request the opposition and the political world to stop the political strife immediately and devote ourselves to recovering from the wildfire damage and responding to the disaster."
In his closing statements, Song expressed a commitment to take the lead in addressing the wildfire crisis. He pledged to focus on preventing further damage, supporting displaced individuals, and preparing for recovery and future disaster prevention. "What the people truly want from the political world is not an irresponsible partisan fight where they are busy blaming each other and passing the buck, but a responsible attitude where everyone comes together to overcome the national crisis together," he said, emphasizing the need for a collective response.
Moreover, he urged for immediate action, stating, "The ruling and opposition parties should put their heads together to respond to the national disaster right now and focus on protecting the lives and safety of the people." His call to action reflects a growing sentiment among citizens that political leaders must prioritize the public's well-being over party politics.
As the nation continues to battle the raging wildfires, which began in Gyeongnam on March 21 and spread rapidly to Uiseong, Gyeongbuk, and Ulsan on March 22, the urgency for a cohesive response is more pressing than ever. The Korea Forest Service has reported that the fires are still ongoing, with casualties, injuries, and missing persons reported across four cities and counties in northeastern Gyeongbuk.
Experts note that the hot and dry weather conditions have exacerbated the fires, with climate change playing a significant role in increasing the risk of wildfires. The vicious cycle of carbon dioxide emissions from wildfires further accelerates climate change, creating a critical situation that demands immediate attention.
As the political landscape remains fraught with tension, the message from Song Seok-jun resonates: now is the time for unity and action. The people of South Korea are looking to their leaders for decisive measures to combat the wildfires and protect their communities. With lives at stake and the threat of further disasters looming, the call for a united front has never been more critical.
