[2023 National Audit] Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Audit... Ruling Party "Strict Response to Illegal Gatherings and Fake News" vs Opposition "Must Take Responsibility for Itaewon Disaster"

On the 16th, during the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee's audit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, the ruling party called for a strict response to fake news and illegal gatherings, while the opposition party focused on holding the police accountable for the Itaewon tragedy, which is approaching its first anniversary.

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

At the national audit session that began at 7:30 p.m. at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency in Jongno-gu, Seoul, the ruling party criticized the police's lax response to illegal gatherings and fake news. Kwon Seong-dong, a member of the People Power Party, stated, "Jeonjangyeon (National Solidarity Against Disability Discrimination) has conducted illegal protests on the subway 92 times," criticizing the police for not conducting arrest investigations against the leaders. When Kim Gwang-ho, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, responded, "Considering each case, we did not judge it serious enough to warrant arrest," Kwon said, "The police must show a firm will."

Additionally, Park Seong-min from the same party mentioned the 'Daejang-dong false interview' and emphasized, "If fake news spreads, it can affect election outcomes. It must be dealt with severely as a deterrent." Jo Eun-hee, also from the same party, questioned, "Isn't the police's response to the dissemination of false information too lax?" and asked, "Do you have the will to properly investigate conspiracy theories such as the false interviews with Cheongong and Kim Man-bae?" In response, Commissioner Kim said, "We will investigate strictly."

The opposition party raised the issue of Commissioner Kim's position ahead of the first anniversary of the Itaewon tragedy on the 29th. Lee Hyung-seok of the Democratic Party said, "No one in the Yoon Seok-yeol government has taken responsibility. Do you have no intention of resigning out of moral responsibility even now?" Commissioner Kim replied, "I will act accordingly once the investigation is concluded." He also stated, "I have said this several times since the early stages of the incident, and my position remains the same. To prevent recurrence, the Seoul Police have devoted all efforts to institutional improvements."

Opposition lawmakers intensified their criticism of Commissioner Kim's stance. Chun Jun-ho of the Democratic Party said, "I think it is cowardly, and even in this situation, you are shameless. Do not leave a bad precedent and resign honorably." Kim Gyo-heung, chairman of the Public Administration and Security Committee from the Democratic Party, also criticized, "Are you saying you will only acknowledge responsibility if legally indicted or sentenced? You are not fit to be in charge of public safety."