[Yeouido Interview] Oh Young-hwan "Must Hold Expert Public Hearing on Itaewon Recurrence Prevention Measures"

Itaewon Disaster Special Committee Member Oh Young-hwan of the Democratic Party
Former Firefighter "Must Reveal What Is Being Avoided"
"No Justification to Extend the National Inquiry"

"All disasters are like that. Once the shock of the disaster subsides, those who can return to their daily lives will do so. This is because humans have an instinct to quickly let go of painful experiences to lessen the emotional wounds. Ultimately, only those who witnessed the moment, those who directly experienced the event, and the bereaved families continue to live through that time."

[Asia Economy Reporters Naju-seok and Park Jun-yi] In an interview held on the 30th of last month at the National Assembly Members' Office Building, near the end of the year, Oh Young-hwan, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, spoke about the waning public interest compared to the time of the Itaewon tragedy. He explained that for ordinary people facing the pain of the memory of the disaster, choosing 'forgetfulness' is a natural response. However, Oh is confronting that pain head-on again through the national investigation.

Oh, a former firefighter, joined the 'National Investigation for the Truth-Finding and Prevention of Recurrence of the Yongsan Itaewon Disaster' belatedly. When asked if he felt any burden about joining the investigation late, he admitted, "It is true that there are difficulties," but added, "I don't think becoming a star by uncovering something new is important. I will do my best to inform the public about what happened." Through the national investigation, he intends to explain to the public 'what happened that day.'

Oh gave up all scheduled local constituency events and time with his beloved family at the end of last year as he participated in the national investigation following the budget negotiations.

The national investigation is proceeding with difficulty, like walking a tightrope. Initially, the investigation was shackled by the condition that it could only begin in earnest after the budget bill was passed within a set timeframe. Moreover, controversies over ruling party members' absence, disruptions in agency reports, and the cancellation of the first hearing due to witness issues have made everything far from smooth. Only hearings on the 4th and 6th remain.

Below is a Q&A.

What is your determination in participating in the national investigation?

The most frustrating part is that the victims were simply walking down the street. People who went out to enjoy a festival were just walking along the street when, on the same day and at the same time, a crushing accident occurred. No one could have imagined such an accident happening in Seoul, South Korea. The state and local governments have the duty to prevent such accidents, prepare countermeasures, and provide quick assistance when they occur. The public is angry and asking, 'Why did none of these work properly?' and 'Why is there only an attempt to evade responsibility after the accident?' I intend to uncover one by one what should have been done, what should not have been done, and what is being avoided.

There is also a reality of arguments that the national investigation is useless.

The government and ruling party argue that investigation is important and should come first, and that the national investigation only leads to political strife. While there is a movement to hold judicial responsibility, there are also clear overall responsibilities, moral responsibilities, and administrative responsibilities assigned to heads of state and local government agencies. The National Assembly has the duty to question these and inform the public. If the national investigation aims to inform the public in detail, there is no reason for claims of uselessness.

A detention warrant was issued and then rejected for Chief Choi Seong-beom of Yongsan Fire Station. What is your view on Chief Choi's responsibility?

Chief Choi and the firefighters present at the scene that night were the only ones who acted. There were many people giving orders that day. The President gave orders, the Minister of the Interior and Safety gave orders, and the Mayor of Seoul gave orders. Many gave orders, but when people desperately needed help on the ground, only the firefighters extended a helping hand. What was absurd was that the fire authorities and Yongsan Fire Station informed all relevant parties immediately after the disaster occurred. However, during the golden time when people could have been saved, no one came. The fire chief and firefighters fought alone without help or support. Saying that more people could have survived if it was not for the fire chief's negligence is a matter that belongs to the 'realm of the divine.'

During the site visit, far-right YouTubers mocked the bereaved families. What were your thoughts?

The Itaewon disaster is a social and large-scale disaster, and I felt that the disaster is still not over. It continues to cause pain to many people. For survivors and bereaved families, the disaster is ongoing. Considering the wounds left on the nation, society, and citizens beyond the loss of life, the actions of those (far-right YouTubers) are as serious as the disaster itself. It was a very tragic and horrific situation. The accident happened in October, but when I went for the first investigation on a snowy day and saw the situation, it was chaos.

There were also people who took their own lives after the disaster.

One was a person who was at the scene during the disaster. He went with two of his closest friends and lost them. It is not that he did not try. It is not that the state, government, or local governments did not try to help. However, he was not protected or cared for. Similar incidents can happen anywhere beyond this case. We need to consider whether our society can proactively and preemptively extend a helping hand to the impact of such sacrifices and tragedies on those around them. I do not think welfare is something separate. True and broad welfare means providing immediate help to those suffering and making it clear where to reach out when in distress.

You heard about firefighters suffering from trauma after the disaster. What measures are needed?

During the Moon Jae-in administration, 20,000 firefighters were added, bringing us to the '60,000 firefighters era.' In fact, this is not an increase but just filling the shortfall from the minimum quota. To meet the increasing demand for firefighting response, the quota itself needs to be raised. It is not that firefighters cannot take leave because they fear their superiors. If someone takes sick leave due to hardship, others have to cover their shifts. This creates a mental burden that colleagues must endure additional pain. Discussions to increase the quota itself are necessary.

Oh Young-hwan, member of the Democratic Party of Korea./Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

There is a dispute between the ruling and opposition parties over extending the national investigation. How should this be resolved?

When it was decided to conduct the national investigation after the budget agreement, I thought it would last at least four weeks. However, the delay in passing the budget made the time tight. Nevertheless, the plan was approved to hold three hearings as agreed. Even that was disrupted by obstinacy related to witness selection, preventing one day of hearings. Naturally, at least the agreed three hearings must be held. How can the report be compiled on the 7th after the hearing on the 6th? The name of the special committee includes 'prevention of recurrence.' Creating prevention measures requires holding a public hearing with experts participating, rather than relying solely on our investigation. That public hearing and the adoption of the report must be included. Also, we agreed on principles for victim participation so that bereaved families and survivors at the scene can directly testify and observe. Their vivid testimonies must be publicly disclosed to help clarify the circumstances and truth of the disaster. Therefore, there is no justification for not extending the investigation.