Lee Jae-myung: "157 Lives Lost Due to Government Mistakes, Is This a Joke?... The Prime Minister Should Resign First"

"President Yoon's sincere reflection and apology are absolutely necessary"
"Following the state audit, a special investigation must also be prepared"

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 9th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, strongly criticized the presidential office aides who exchanged notes saying "This is ridiculous" during the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee hearing on the 9th, saying, "157 young lives were lost due to clear government negligence. Does the chairperson of this (audit) look ridiculous?"

At the Supreme Council meeting that morning, Lee said, "Yesterday, Kim Eun-hye, the chief of public relations, and other officials caused controversy by writing notes saying 'This is ridiculous' during lawmakers' questioning to determine the cause of the disaster," and scolded, "Is this ridiculous?"

He added, "Is this something that can end with just an apology?" and urged President Yoon Suk-yeol again, saying, "The president's sincere reflection and apology are absolutely necessary."

Lee said, "The Prime Minister should resign to take responsibility for failing to protect the lives and safety of the people," and added, "It is necessary to dismiss, not just remove, the responsible ministers and police officials. A comprehensive government reform is needed to be accountable to the people."

Regarding the state audit that the Democratic Party is promoting together with the Justice Party and others, he said, "It is the fastest way to approach the truth and provide the public with an opportunity to explain the cause and fundamental reasons of the incident," emphasizing, "We must prepare for a special prosecutor investigation, which inevitably takes considerable time, starting now, following the state audit."

On the disclosure of the victims of the Itaewon disaster, Lee said, "In what disaster does the entire nation pay respects and mourn without knowing the names or faces?" and added, "Unless the bereaved families oppose, the names and portraits should naturally be disclosed, and sincere mourning should take place."