Yoon Likely to Exercise Veto on Itaewon Special Act... Considering Separate Support (Comprehensive)

Government Likely to Recommend Veto at Cabinet Meeting as Early as the 30th

The government is reportedly set to review a proposal to exercise the right to request reconsideration (veto) on the "Special Act on Guaranteeing the Rights of Victims of the October 29 Itaewon Disaster, Fact-Finding, and Prevention of Recurrence" (Itaewon Special Act) at the Cabinet meeting as early as the 30th of this month. The ruling party's stance is that it is difficult to accept the act as is, since it was passed under opposition party leadership without bipartisan agreement and contains problematic provisions.

However, considering that the Itaewon disaster resulted in a large-scale loss of life and that there is a possibility of political backlash ahead of elections, the government plans to prepare support measures for the victims and their bereaved families.

According to the government on the 28th, the Itaewon Special Act is scheduled to be submitted at the regular Cabinet meeting presided over by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. The act was sent to the government on the 19th and the president must decide whether to exercise the veto by the 4th of next month.

It is reported that Cabinet members are highly likely to recommend President Yoon Seok-yeol to exercise the veto. If the veto recommendation is passed at the Cabinet meeting, President Yoon is expected to review and approve it.

If President Yoon approves the veto, the act will effectively be discarded upon returning to the National Assembly. If the Itaewon Special Act is not placed on the agenda at this regular Cabinet meeting, there is also a possibility of a separate extraordinary Cabinet meeting being convened.

The Itaewon Special Act was passed under the leadership of the opposition party. The ruling party proposed renegotiations to exclude the problematic provisions to the opposition, but after the proposal failed, they recommended President Yoon to exercise the veto.

The ruling party points out that forming a special investigation committee on a matter where investigations have already been concluded is inappropriate, and that the special committee’s authority to conduct searches and hearings is excessive.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Unlike previous veto cases, President Yoon and the Blue House are taking a cautious stance regarding the veto on the Itaewon Special Act. Unlike past cases where vetoes were exercised due to differences in policy and issue perspectives, in the case of the Itaewon disaster, given the large-scale loss of life, a hasty decision cannot be made.

There is also a sentiment within and around the Blue House that additional political burdens should be avoided, especially given recent conflicts between the ruling party and government, as well as allegations regarding First Lady Kim Geon-hee’s luxury handbag purchases.

Accordingly, the government is considering separate support measures for the victims and bereaved families of the Itaewon disaster, as well as the establishment of a memorial park. A senior Blue House official stated, "We can propose additional support for the victims and create a memorial space."

It is anticipated that the government will announce additional support measures in conjunction with the timing of President Yoon’s exercise of the veto on the Itaewon Special Act.