National Audit D-4... Opposition Raises Pressure for "Extension of Period"

3rd Hearing, Expert Public Hearing, Report Preparation
"Extension Needed to Complete National Investigation Procedure"

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] The opposition party has stepped up pressure on the ruling party, urging an agreement to extend the National Assembly investigation period into the Itaewon tragedy, as the investigation procedures including hearings, public hearings, and report preparation have not been completed ahead of the deadline on the 7th. Although the ruling party also holds a progressive stance that an extension is necessary, the extension may face difficulties due to differences between the ruling and opposition parties on current issues such as the sunset law (a law that is automatically repealed after a predetermined period) that will extend beyond the year and the government organization reform plan.

Park Hong-geun, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the party strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on the 27th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

On the 3rd, Park Hong-geun, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said at the party's floor strategy meeting, "Responsibility punishment by scapegoating without fact-finding and fact-finding without recurrence prevention cannot be established from the start. A third hearing involving bereaved families, survivors, and experts, an expert public hearing for recurrence prevention, and thorough report preparation constitute a complete National Assembly investigation," emphasizing, "This is why the plenary session must be convened as soon as possible to extend the National Assembly investigation special committee's activity period."

He continued, "The People Power Party has yet to clearly state its position on the extension of the National Assembly investigation and the holding of the third hearing," adding, "If this situation continues, the National Assembly investigation will end without the third hearing, recurrence prevention measures, or report adoption due to physical time constraints, which cannot be allowed."

Floor leader Park pointed out, "Only 15.2% of the public evaluates that the Itaewon tragedy National Assembly investigation is doing well in fact-finding and recurrence prevention activities," and said, "Both conducting the investigation and extending the period are entirely within the authority of the National Assembly. The People Power Party should not seek President Yoon Seok-yeol's permission, or 'Yunhe,' but should unconditionally and immediately fulfill the legislative branch's duty to check the executive branch."

The Democratic Party increased pressure on the ruling party, stating that the extension of the investigation period was a matter urgently requested by the bereaved families of the Itaewon tragedy. Floor spokesperson Lee Su-jin explained after the floor strategy meeting, "When the party leadership visited the Itaewon tragedy memorial altar on the 1st, the bereaved families earnestly requested the extension of the National Assembly investigation period," adding, "Since they asked to continue discussions and quickly reach a conclusion regarding the extension, we plan to hold a meeting with the bereaved families today."

Members of the Democratic Party's National Assembly investigation special committee also plan to hold a press conference at the National Assembly on the morning of the 4th, urging the extension of the investigation period.

The People Power Party also agrees with extending the investigation period. The floor leaders of both parties are scheduled to hold a private meeting on the morning of the same day to discuss the extension of the National Assembly investigation period and the possibility of holding a third hearing. After the meeting, People Power Party floor leader Joo Ho-young told reporters, "We decided to listen to the special committee's opinions on why the extension is necessary and how many days are needed, and continue discussions."

Meanwhile, the first National Assembly investigation hearing scheduled for the 4th will summon 44 witnesses, including Yoon Hee-geun, Commissioner of the National Police Agency. The second hearing on the 6th will summon 29 people, including Lee Sang-min, Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.