Handonghun: "Introducing a special prosecutor during the initial investigation of the 'Itaewon Disaster' would hinder uncovering the truth"

Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon is attending the full meeting of the Budget and Accounts Committee held at the National Assembly on the 7th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] On the 7th, Han Dong-hoon, Minister of Justice, responded to the opposition party's call to introduce a special prosecutor (special investigation) to uncover the truth behind the 'Halloween Itaewon Disaster,' stating, "Above all, swift investigation is crucial in such large-scale disaster cases, and having a special prosecutor conduct the investigation from the initial stage could rather hinder the truth-finding process."

Before attending the National Assembly Budget and Accounts Committee meeting that day, Minister Han told reporters, "I believe we should find the most efficient and transparent way to uncover the truth within the current system," adding, "If after the prosecution's investigation is fully completed there are still shortcomings, I think it would be perfectly acceptable to appoint a special prosecutor."

Minister Han emphasized, "Investigations into large-scale disaster cases have unique characteristics. Speed is much more important than in other cases," explaining, "This is because witness testimonies are highly volatile and memories can be distorted over time, and there is a significant risk that evidence may disappear."

He continued, "It takes at least several months to initiate a special prosecutor investigation. As you know well, the only standing special prosecutor was the Sewol Ferry special investigation, which took five months from the National Assembly's resolution," adding, "Therefore, entrusting the initial investigation of such a large-scale disaster to a special prosecutor seems problematic for uncovering the truth."

He also said, "I have experience with special prosecutor investigations, and if discussions about a special prosecutor investigation arise from the initial investigation stage, the existing investigation team tends to focus not on advancing the investigation but on handing it over to the special prosecutor without issues," adding, "In such cases, it could rather obstruct accurate truth-finding."

"In that regard, under the current system, my view is first, the police conduct a swift investigation under public scrutiny, and once the case is transferred to the prosecution, the prosecution thoroughly reinvestigates everything," he said, adding, "I believe the police are fully aware of the concerns I mentioned and will conduct their investigation accordingly."

Regarding some criticisms that "the police failed to prevent the disaster because they were focused on cracking down on drug crimes at the time of the disaster," he said, "As a public official, I feel a sense of responsibility for this disaster. However, I oppose using this tragedy for political gain or spreading baseless rumors," adding, "That would hurt the victims, their families, and all the citizens mourning this tragic disaster."

On the Democratic Party of Korea's demand for a parliamentary audit of the Itaewon disaster, he said, "There are matters for in-depth discussion in the National Assembly, and as Minister of Justice, I do not think it is my place to comment on that."