Opposition Urges Release of Victim List for 'Itaewon Tragedy'... "Delaying Mourning by Hiding Names and Faces"

Lee Jae-myung and Jeong Cheong-rae Emphasize Disclosure of Victim List
Plan to Adopt National Investigation Proposal at the Plenary Session on the 24th

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 23rd and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] The opposition party referred to the press conference held on the 22nd by the bereaved families of the victims of the 'Itaewon Disaster,' urging the government to disclose the list of victims and establish a memorial space. They also reiterated their intention to adopt a plan for a national investigation at the National Assembly plenary session scheduled for the 24th to uncover the truth.

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said at the party's Supreme Council meeting on the morning of the 23rd, "Yesterday, the bereaved families of the Itaewon disaster victims held their first press conference," adding, "I could not help but feel truly sorry for the families who appeared at the press conference without even having time to compose themselves."

Lee said, "They were told to hide their names and faces and even to conceal the condolence messages, putting mourning and comfort on the back burner," and added, "If the investigation is obstructed, the people will never forgive it."

He continued, "The Democratic Party will adopt the plan for the national investigation at tomorrow’s plenary session," emphasizing, "I hope the government and ruling party will not go against the will of the people who want a prompt national investigation."

Park Hong-geun, floor leader, also pointed out, "There have been numerous reports that the Presidential Office is reviewing a special law on the Itaewon disaster," criticizing, "The Presidential Office, without consideration for the parties involved, has once again hurt the bereaved families."

He added, "None of the six demands of the bereaved families, including a sincere apology and truth-finding, should be taken lightly," and said, "The special law can be discussed later by the National Assembly, government, and bereaved families after the truth is uncovered."

Jeong Cheong-rae, Supreme Council member, said, "The list of the victims of the October 29 disaster must be disclosed and a memorial space established," criticizing, "Did the government not commit secondary harm by hastily creating a nameless, portrait-less incense altar without consulting or obtaining consent from the bereaved families?"

Jeong urged, "The government should promptly prepare a memorial space," adding, "There is a need for the freedom to grieve and a space to mourn."

Seo Young-kyo, Supreme Council member, said, "We must thoroughly clarify who divided the bereaved families and who is claiming the cause of the children’s deaths is unknown, and punish those responsible," calling for the immediate dismissal of Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min.