Prosecutors "Respect the Deliberation Committee for Swift Disposition"... Seoul Police Chief Likely to Be Indicted

The Prosecution Investigation Deliberation Committee (PIDC) has recommended the indictment of Kim Gwang-ho, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, in connection with the Itaewon disaster, and the prosecution is reportedly planning to bring Commissioner Kim to trial as early as the 19th.

Kim Kwang-ho, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. [Image source=Asia Economy DB]

The Seoul Western District Prosecutors' Office stated on the 18th that it "plans to promptly take action respecting the PIDC's opinion" regarding whether to indict Commissioner Kim.

Earlier, on the 15th, the PIDC recommended prosecution to the prosecution with a 9 (indictment) to 6 (non-indictment) vote concerning Commissioner Kim, who has been under investigation for professional negligence resulting in injury or death.

The PIDC stated, "Negligence is recognized in that despite being able to sufficiently foresee the disaster, no concrete measures were established."

Commissioner Kim is accused of failing to prepare safety management measures despite being aware that crowds would gather during the Itaewon disaster, thereby increasing the scale of casualties.

The PIDC's judgment is advisory in nature, so the prosecution is not obligated to follow it. However, there has been no case where the prosecution declined to indict after a PIDC recommendation for indictment.

The PIDC recommended non-indictment by a 1 (indictment) to 14 (non-indictment) vote for Choi Seong-beom, former Yongsan Fire Station Chief, who faces the same charges.