[2023 National Audit] Seoul Police Chief "Will Act According to Itaewon Disaster Investigation Results"

Kim Kwang-ho, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, responded to a question about whether he plans to resign taking moral responsibility related to the Itaewon tragedy by saying, "I will act accordingly once the investigation is concluded."

On the 16th, at the National Assembly Public Administration and Security Committee's audit held at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, Kim Kwang-ho, Chief of the Seoul Police Agency, is responding.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 16th, Commissioner Kim made this remark in response to a question from Lee Hyung-seok, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, during the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee audit held at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Commissioner Kim said, "I have mentioned this several times since the early stages of the incident, and my position remains the same," adding, "The Seoul Police have devoted all efforts to institutional improvements to prevent recurrence."

Ahead of the first anniversary of the Itaewon tragedy, the opposition parties launched an offensive targeting Commissioner Kim. When Moon Jin-seok, a Democratic Party member, asked, "The first anniversary of the Itaewon tragedy is in two weeks; please share your thoughts as the Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency," Commissioner Kim replied, "I pray for the souls of those who lost their lives in the accident and offer my deepest condolences to the bereaved families." He added, "The Seoul Police will do their utmost to ensure the safety of citizens to prevent such tragic accidents from happening again."

Furthermore, regarding a question about the prosecution's indecision on whether to indict, Commissioner Kim said, "As a subject of the investigation, it is not appropriate for me to comment on the investigation," and added, "I believe the decision will be made according to legal principles."