The court accepted the bail applications filed by former Yongsan Police Station Chief Lee Im-jae and former Yongsan Police Station 112 Comprehensive Security Situation Room Chief Song Byung-joo, who are suspected of inadequate response to the 'Itaewon disaster.'
The 11th Criminal Division of the Seoul Western District Court (Presiding Judge Bae Seong-jung) announced on the 6th that it had approved the bail requests submitted by former Yongsan Police Station Chief Lee and former 112 Situation Room Chief Song, who are accused of professional negligence resulting in death and injury. The conditions for bail approval include submitting a pledge not to evade trial or destroy evidence, residence restrictions, and payment of a 50 million won bond. Of the 50 million won bond, 30 million won may be replaced with a guarantee certificate.
Former Chief Lee is accused of failing to establish accident prevention measures despite anticipating large crowds in the Itaewon area on Halloween day, and of not taking timely actions such as deploying the security riot squad and controlling roads despite hearing 112 reports and radio communications, which exacerbated casualties. He is also accused of instructing false entries in the situation report regarding the time of arrival at the scene and police rescue activities to cover up the inadequate response (forgery and use of false official documents).
Former Chief Song is accused of recognizing the possibility of a crush accident through 112 report reception but failing to take appropriate safety measures, such as pushing the crowd onto the sidewalk.
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