Jung Jin-seok: "It Must Be Revealed Why Police On-Site Judgment Was Wrong"
Proposal for 'Accident Investigation Special Committee' with Ruling and Opposition Participation After Mourning Period
Opposition Criticizes, "Is This the Time for the Prime Minister's Joke?" and Demands Seoul Mayor Oh's Resignation
Jeong Jin-seok, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, is attending the Emergency Response Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the 2nd and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@
[Asia Economy Reporters Koo Chae-eun, Geum Bo-ryeong, Kwon Hyun-ji] Following the release of the ‘112 emergency call recording’ on the day of the Itaewon tragedy, demands for the dismissal of Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min and National Police Agency Commissioner Yoon Hee-geun are spreading even within the ruling party. The opposition party, which shifted its stance the day before to hold those responsible accountable, has escalated its offensive by calling not only for the Prime Minister’s responsibility but also for the resignation of Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon. After this week’s mourning period ends, demands for a thorough investigation and replacement of the Minister of the Interior and Safety are expected to be raised in earnest.
Jung Jin-seok, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, stated at the party’s emergency meeting held at the National Assembly on the 2nd, “The reasons why the police, who were dispatched to the scene four times, made wrong judgments and why sufficient on-site measures such as reinforcement of riot police were not taken must be clearly revealed,” adding, “And appropriate responsibility must be held.” Chairman Jung emphasized, “There were a total of 12 urgent rescue signals before the accident,” and said, “It is extremely embarrassing and regrettable. We are deeply sorry to the people.”
Floor Leader Joo Ho-young also said on the same day, “Many citizens are shocked and outraged after listening to the 112 and 119 emergency call recordings from yesterday,” and added, “After the (national mourning) period ends, a thorough investigation into the cause and corresponding accountability will be inevitable.”
The atmosphere within the ruling party has changed significantly from the previous day. Until the day before, there was a strong sentiment that “it is not appropriate to talk about dismissal now” and that managing the situation should come first regarding Minister Lee’s dismissal. However, as it was revealed that the police failed to respond properly despite more than ten emergency calls, the mood shifted rapidly. A first-term lawmaker from the People Power Party said, “After seeing the recordings, in meetings among lawmakers, there are talks that ‘it will be difficult without dismissal or resignation,’” and added, “More lawmakers within the party are raising concerns.”
The People Power Party also proposed to the Democratic Party of Korea the formation of a ‘Special Committee for the Itaewon Accident Investigation’ involving both ruling and opposition parties after the mourning period. Separately, the People Power Party plans to establish its own special committee immediately after the mourning period.
On the 1st, Chung Jin-seok, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, met with Philip Goldberg, U.S. Ambassador to Korea, at the National Assembly and observed a moment of silence for the victims of the Itaewon tragedy before the meeting. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Park Hong-geun, floor leader, along with party members, are paying tribute at the 'Itaewon Accident Victims Joint Memorial Altar' set up at Seoul Plaza on the 1st. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@
However, there is a cautious atmosphere regarding the timing of the dismissal. After the emergency meeting, Chairman Jung told reporters, when asked about the dismissal rumors concerning Minister Lee and Commissioner Yoon, “First, the cause of the incident and the facts must be thoroughly investigated, and then responsibility should naturally be held.”
The Democratic Party of Korea has intensified its attacks by going beyond demands for the dismissal of Minister Lee and Commissioner Yoon, pointing out the responsibilities of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon. Party leader Lee Jae-myung directly criticized at the party’s highest council meeting, “The Prime Minister, who should be fully committed to managing the situation, held a press conference with foreign reporters and made jokes. Is this the time for jokes?” He also strongly criticized the Ministry of the Interior and Safety for issuing a document to local governments suggesting the omission of memorial photos and spirit tablets. He said, “While the families of the victims and the injured are wailing, how can they write such a trivial matter in an official document and give instructions?” and added, “It is a trick to somehow reduce the anger of the people and lessen responsibility.” Supreme Council member Jung Cheong-rae demanded that President Yoon immediately dismiss Minister Lee and Commissioner Yoon.
Supreme Council member Ko Min-jung also mentioned the collapse of the Seongsu Bridge on October 21, 1994, which resulted in 49 casualties (32 dead, 17 injured), during a radio appearance on the same day, stating, “On the day of the accident, Prime Minister Lee Young-deok offered his resignation, and Seoul Mayor Lee Won-jong was also dismissed as a form of disciplinary action.” She implied that the Seoul Mayor, Yongsan District Mayor, and Minister of the Interior and Safety should be held accountable. A Democratic Party lawmaker said in a phone interview, “Until now, we have been mourning and paying tribute, but now we believe the process of identifying the cause and revealing the truth has begun,” and added, “As the opposition party, we will fulfill that role.”
There is also speculation that President Yoon may soon clarify his position on this matter. The Blue House stated, “After the cause of the accident is investigated in a way that the public can accept,” adding, “Currently, the focus is on fact-finding,” avoiding specific explanations. However, it is not easy to maintain distance from government responsibility. Some within the ruling party speculate that the cabinet reshuffle scheduled for the end of the year or early next year could be brought forward.
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