Presidential Office Condemns "Distortion and Publicizing" of Former Speaker Kim Jin-pyo's Memoirs

Statement on the Claim Regarding the Memoir

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 27th, the Presidential Office expressed deep regret regarding the conversation between former National Assembly Speaker Kim Jin-pyo and President Yoon Seok-yeol, as revealed in Kim's memoir related to the Itaewon tragedy.

The Presidential Office conveyed this through a spokesperson's notice in the afternoon, stating, "Due to numerous inquiries about former Speaker Kim's memoir, we are informing you accordingly."

The office explained, "It is deplorable that a person who served as National Assembly Speaker requested a private meeting with the President at the National Prayer Breakfast and then arbitrarily distorted the conversation to disclose it to the public," adding, "President Yoon had instructed that all various suspicions raised by the media be thoroughly investigated whenever meetings with related agencies were held to manage and prevent the tragedy."

They continued, "In particular, the President has expressed that it is incomprehensible that the lanes were not opened, as opening even one lane would have reduced the crowd pressure on the sidewalks and prevented the accident," and noted, "On the day of the accident, lanes were opened to manage the crowd during the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions' protest in Gwanghwamun."

Additionally, "For reference, President Yoon had ordered the full disclosure of the 119 emergency call details at the time of the accident," and "Recently, he boldly accepted the Itaewon Special Act," the office added.

Meanwhile, some media outlets cited former Speaker Kim's memoir, What Has the Republic of Korea Accumulated 1961-2024, Reflecting on the Ten Governments of This Country, reporting Kim's claim that President Yoon made conspiracy theory remarks related to the Itaewon tragedy attributed to a 'far-right YouTuber.'

In his memoir, former Speaker Kim stated, "President Yoon said he had strong suspicions about the Itaewon tragedy and was unable to make a decision," and added, "When asked what it was, he claimed that the possibility that this accident was induced and manipulated by certain forces could not be ruled out."