On April 24th, President Yoon of South Korea directed officials during a cabinet meeting to impose strict penalties on civil servants who neglect to address illegal structures occupying river and valley zones. This directive comes in the wake of reports from the Minister of the Interior, Yoon Ho-joong, who revealed that a nationwide survey uncovered a total of 835 illegal facilities. President Yoon expressed disbelief in the low figures, suggesting that the actual count in regions like Gyeonggi Province could be higher, thus hinting at possible oversight by local authorities.

This warning comes as part of a broader initiative, initiated during President Yoon's tenure as Gyeonggi governor, to eliminate illegal structures in valleys. The administrative emphasis is on enhancing oversight and accountability among local governmental bodies, as President Yoon criticized the tendency of civil servants to overlook such violations. He stipulated that if significant illegal facilities are found, they should be categorized as job negligence, signaling a ramped-up approach to regulatory enforcement in the region.

Moreover, the Ministry of the Interior intends to undertake significant rectification of illegal structures occupying river and valley spaces throughout the year. These illegal installations pose safety risks, including makeshift eateries and recreational facilities, which are prohibited in designated river areas. To improve enforcement capabilities, the Ministry plans to increase personnel in special law enforcement dedicated to river management and to create patrol units that are tailored to the specific needs of each region, thereby ensuring a more effective regulatory framework and adherence to safety standards.