Controversy Over Dr. Car Ride-Along 'Shin Hyun-young', Resigns from Itaewon Disaster Special Committee

"Essence Should Not Be Obscured or Used as a Pretext for Political Strife"
"Ruling Party Must Clarify State Responsibility for Failing to Protect Citizens' Lives"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Shin Hyun-young, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea who participated in the special committee for the Itaewon disaster national investigation, announced on the 20th that she would "resign from her position on the special committee." She had been criticized for delaying the arrival of on-site medical staff because she rode in the doctor car dispatched to the scene during the Itaewon disaster.

In a statement posted on social networking services (SNS) that day, Shin said, "I judged that the essence should not be blurred and used as a pretext for political strife before the 10.29 Itaewon national investigation could properly begin because of me," adding, "The national investigation should not be about blaming and holding accountable those who tried to do something to save lives, but about uncovering the truth and holding accountable those who failed to do what was right."

She said, "I bow my head and apologize if my joining caused any inconvenience in disaster response."

Regarding why she rode the doctor car instead of going to the scene individually, she explained, "Because I understand disaster sites well, I judged that entering as a team rather than as individual medical staff would allow me to play a sufficient role and be helpful as a 'doctor' rather than as a 'member of the National Assembly' during the response."

She added, "I ask that medical staff and private hospitals who tried to help with good intentions do not suffer difficulties or become discouraged in responding to disaster situations, and I sincerely apologize to the bereaved families who could not be with us until the end."

Regarding members of the People Power Party who are not participating in the special committee, she appealed, "Please reveal the responsibility of the state that failed to protect the lives and safety of the people with the authority entrusted by the citizens."

Shin said, "I still remember the words of my mentor when investigating the 2003 Daegu subway disaster: 'Doctors must always be on site,'" and promised, "I will continue to work to create a world where medical personnel can actively extend a warm hand when emergency patients occur."

She had previously explained via SNS that "the vehicle I rode with the Myongji Hospital team was not an ambulance with a siren but a doctor car without a siren, and the Hwajeon 119 Safety Center ambulance located in Goyang City, like Myongji Hospital, was 19 km from the disaster site but took 48 minutes, while Myongji Hospital was farther at 25 km and took 54 minutes."