Lee Jae-myung: "Swift Passage of Itaewon Special Act to Ensure Accountability and Prevent Recurrence"

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said on the 29th, "We will clarify the truth, hold those responsible accountable, and ensure that such an incident never happens again through the swift passage of the Itaewon Disaster Special Act."

On the same day, during a memorial speech at the '1st Anniversary Citizen Memorial Rally for the Victims of the Itaewon Disaster' held at Seoul Plaza in Jung-gu, Seoul, Lee stated, "The Democratic Party will take the lead to ensure that the lives of the people are not wasted again due to the state's incompetence and irresponsibility."

Lee pointed out, "It has been one year since the day when 159 universes, 159 worlds collapsed, but nothing has changed. The desperate pleas of the bereaved families are still being ignored today, and those in power are solely focused on covering up the truth."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He continued, "Responsible government officials have ultimately avoided even attending this event today. The state was absent beside the victims and their families both during the disaster and now," criticizing, "Such an unrepentant attitude and lack of accountability have led to other tragedies, such as the Osong disaster and the deaths of Marine Corps personnel."

Furthermore, Lee said, "This is exactly why everyone must remember that day in Itaewon," adding, "We will restore the state's responsibility to protect the lives of the people. Remembering October 29, we will not stop the fight for the truth."

Meanwhile, Lee participated in an outdoor rally for the first time since returning to party duties on the 23rd. The memorial rally was attended by dozens of Democratic Party lawmakers, including floor leader Hong Ik-pyo and secretary-general Jo Jeong-sik, as well as other party leaders.