The Korean Coast Guard was officially disbanded after the Sewol ferry disaster in 2014. It is back now, though, and responsible for maritime safety and control off the coast of South Korea. Joseph Kim has more.



Report

Recording
Park Geun-hye / Former president
After careful consideration, we have decided to disband the Korea Coast Guard.
<싱크 : 박근혜 전 대통령>
"그래서 고심 끝에 해경을 해체하기로 결론을 내렸습니다."

On May 18, 2014, former President Park Geun-hye announced the nation’s plans to break up its coast guard after failing to respond well during the Sewol ferry disaster.

[slug]
Korea Coast Guard returns to Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries

The previous Korea Coast Guard was disbanded and its main responsibilities were transferred to the newly formed Ministry of Public Safety and Security.

Now, after 3 years, the KCG is back.

The reborn KCG came back to its former home. Once again, it has become an external branch of Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.

[slug]
KCG regains roles in investigation and information

Investigational and informational roles were transferred to the National Police after the Sewol ferry disaster.

The KCG regained and will enhance the roles.

The investigation and information roles will be taken by the newly created Investigation and Information Department of the KCG.

The previous Information and Investigation Division has been elevated to the Department to include the Investigation Division, Security Division, International Crime Investigation Division and 3 other divisions.

### C.G IN

[slug]
KCG Jeju Office personnel expanded to 947

The number of workers in the Department has been expanded from 9 to 25, which increases the total number at the Jeju Office of the KCG to 947 from 905.

INTERVIEW
Yun Seong-hyeon / Head, Jeju office of KCG
The information and investigation sectors were revamped. We’ll crack down on international crimes, including smuggling and illegal entry into the nation, as well as ferries that exceed their seating and load capacity.
<인터뷰 : 윤성현 / 제주지방해양경찰청장>
"가장 획기적으로 바뀐 부분이 정보·수사 분야입니다. 이번에 강화된 정보와 수사력을 바탕으로 무사증을 악용한 밀수, 밀입국 등 국제성 범죄와 과승, 과적 등 해양안전 침해사범을 강력히 단속함으로써…."

As the new administration overhauls the National Government Organization Act, the Korea Coast Guard is restored.

INTERVIEW
Kim Hong-cheol / Member of KCG special forces
We will crack down on terrorism threats and illegal fishing in Jeju waters, and will continue to provide rescue and salvage operations to protect people’s lives and property.
<인터뷰 : 김홍철 / 제주지방해양경찰청 특공대>
"대테러 임무와 불법 외국어선 단속과 구조활동을 통해서 국민의 재산과 생명을 보호하는 해경 특공대원이 되도록 하겠습니다."

The KCG has suffered changes since Sewol ferry sank in 2014.

[Reporter] Joseph Kim
[Camera] Moon Ho-seong

The reborn organization is taking responsibility to make Jeju waters safer and cleaner.

Joseph Kim, KCTV