Vice Minister Kim Min-jae, who is acting as the Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, said, "We must engage with residents in the field," adding, "The numerous challenges we must achieve, such as decentralization, balanced development, stabilizing people's livelihoods, and revitalizing the local economy, can be effectively solved when we work together with residents." Newly appointed Director Kim Kwang-yong of the Disaster and Safety Management Agency (Vice Minister-level) noted, "I will strive to create a safe country."
Vice Minister Kim Min-jae stated at the inauguration ceremony held at the Government Sejong Center on the 23rd, "In times of national crisis, the new government set up by the people is crucial. It is an important period to build strong support from the people so that the Lee Jae-myung administration can move forward steadily over the next five years."
He also remarked, "During my tenure as Deputy Minister for about the past year and a half, I visited the field more than 150 times and heard many voices from residents on various issues such as youth, vacant houses, the elderly, and wildfires," adding that "the will of the residents, who are the owners of local areas, must be reflected in policies through communication in the field."
He added, "The approach should shift to being centered around the citizens, who are the demand side, rather than the public servants, who are the suppliers. We need to consider what usefulness this will bring to the citizens and design it in a way that enhances their utility," saying that "we must actively embrace and adapt to new changes, such as basic society and artificial intelligence (AI) government, and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety must lead the new future."
Vice Minister Kim promised, "Finally, the organization must be one where all employees are happy," and added, "If there are any issues, please feel free to reach out at any time. I will listen to your concerns and work together to solve the problems."
On the same day, Deputy Minister Kim Kwang-yong, who also attended the inauguration ceremony, referred to President Lee's emphasis on "safety," saying, "I will think about how we can create a 'safe country,'" and remarked, "In my office, there is a phrase that reads 'gathering wisdom for the common good.' It means to gather diverse opinions and work together."
He further mentioned the saying, "When a typhoon comes, sailors look not at the sea but at the captain," stating, "I will also carry that spirit and strive to be a responsible person."