"Punish Minister Sang-min Lee," Firefighters Deliver 100,000 Signatures to Special Investigation Unit

"Punishing the Real Responsible Is the Best Tribute"
Criticism of Special Investigation Team for Shifting Blame to Lower-Ranking Officials

The Fire Headquarters of the National Public Officials Labor Union affiliated with the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (Jeongongno Fire Headquarters) demanded that the Special Investigation Headquarters of the National Police Agency (Special Investigation Headquarters), which is investigating the Itaewon disaster, conduct an investigation into the 'higher-ups' including Lee Sang-min, Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.
Photo by Oh Gyu-min moh011@

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Gyumin] The Firefighters' Union has demanded an investigation into the 'higher-ups,' including Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min, by the Police Agency's Special Investigation Headquarters (Special Investigation HQ) investigating the Itaewon tragedy.

The Firefighting Headquarters of the National Public Officials Labor Union affiliated with the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (Jeongongno Firefighting Headquarters) held a press conference on the morning of the 22nd in front of the Mapo Police Station, where the Special Investigation HQ is located, stating, "Punishing the real responsible parties is the greatest tribute to the victims."

They delivered 100,000 signed petitions to the Special Investigation HQ, claiming, "During the October 29 tragedy, the lowest-ranking fire commanders who arrived first and stayed until the end at the scene were quickly booked, but commanders who did not even appear at the scene are still under legal review."

They also criticized the Special Investigation HQ's method of investigation for shifting responsibility onto the on-site firefighters. Lee Seunghyun, Senior Deputy Head of the Jeongongno Firefighting Headquarters, said, "We cannot help but question whether the current investigation method of the Special Investigation HQ is trying to fit the situation until it becomes a crime. If foreseeing the disaster site in advance and not being present there is considered a crime, then we (firefighters) are undoubtedly criminals."

Finally, they claimed that Minister Lee is obstructing the public officials' union's general vote. Jeon Hoil, Chairman of Jeongongno, stated, "Regarding this tragedy, we are conducting a vote among union members on the resignation and punishment of Minister Lee and on shifting responsibility to lower ranks," adding, "Minister Lee has sent official documents several times to block this and has threatened by saying 'Stop it at all costs.'"

The Jeongongno Firefighting Headquarters announced that since the 15th, they have launched the "Nationwide Petition to Protect 70,000 Firefighters," with 150,000 citizens participating. They said they will extend the petition campaign until the 30th of this month to "gather more voices from the public."