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On the 19th, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who visited the joint memorial altar for the victims of the Itaewon disaster, was unable to pay his respects due to opposition from the bereaved families and turned back. He is seen crossing the road with a red traffic light on. Photo by SisaIn

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Prime Minister Han Duck-soo visited the joint memorial altar for the victims of the Itaewon tragedy but was caught jaywalking while turning back due to protests from the bereaved families, sparking controversy. The Prime Minister's Office explained that he was "following the instructions of the police officer," but criticism is mounting, with posts claiming to have reported Prime Minister Han to the National Petition Board.

On the 19th at around 2:30 PM, Prime Minister Han visited the memorial altar for the Itaewon tragedy victims set up near Noksapyeong Station in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, but was unable to pay his respects. The bereaved families, unaware of the Prime Minister's visit schedule, blocked his path, saying, "We will not accept anything unless it is an official government apology," and "Bring the President's apology." Ultimately, Prime Minister Han had to turn back just 30 seconds after arriving at the altar.

Videos filmed by SisaIN and others show that on his way back to the official vehicle across the street, when reporters swarmed and asked questions about his resignation, he said, "Thank you for your hard work," and suddenly crossed the crosswalk. The traffic light was red. As Prime Minister Han moved, the bodyguards nearby also followed, and the cars driving by quickly hit the brakes. The road was a four-lane road with two lanes in each direction.

A citizen recently posted online that they reported Prime Minister Han to the police for violating the Road Traffic Act. This netizen said, "It is truly deplorable that the highest advisory institution to the President of the Republic of Korea, which performs critical duties under the President's orders to oversee the executive branch, acted arrogantly," and shared a captured image of the petition submitted to the National Petition Board.

This petition was forwarded to the Yongsan Police Station in Seoul. On the 21st, the Yongsan Police Station confirmed, "We have verified that a report related to Prime Minister Han was received through the National Petition Board."

The Prime Minister's Office stated in a press release, "Prime Minister Han visited the Itaewon tragedy memorial altar with a heavy heart but was unable to pay respects due to opposition from the bereaved families and returned to the Government Seoul Office. During this process, Prime Minister Han crossed the crosswalk following the instructions of a police officer on duty at the Yongsan Police Station."

Previously, Prime Minister Han faced multiple controversies over inappropriate remarks related to the Itaewon tragedy. Last month, he was criticized for joking and smiling during a press conference with foreign reporters about the Itaewon tragedy. Additionally, on the 15th, regarding a survivor of the Itaewon tragedy who died by suicide, he said, "I think it would have been better if the person had a firmer mindset and a stronger will to receive treatment," which sparked a 'secondary victimization' controversy.