President Lee Jae Myung is listening to the remarks of bereaved families during the "Dialogue of Memory, Consolation, and Healing" meeting with families of social disaster victims at the Blue House State Guest House on the 16th. Photo by Yonhap News
President Lee Jae Myung has announced the formation of a joint police-prosecution investigation team with the authority to conduct compulsory investigations into the Itaewon disaster. He also instructed the establishment of a permanent investigative unit under the police to address secondary victimization of bereaved families following social disasters.
According to Kang Yujeong, spokesperson for the Presidential Office, President Lee made these remarks during a briefing at the Yongsan Presidential Office on the 17th. The previous day, President Lee met with the bereaved families of the Sewol ferry, Itaewon, Osong underpass, and Muan passenger plane disasters at the Blue House State Guest House. According to spokesperson Kang, President Lee stated regarding the Itaewon disaster special investigation committee (Special Committee), "If necessary, it must be granted compulsory investigative powers," and added, "By presidential directive, a joint investigation team consisting of the police and prosecution will be formed to investigate the Itaewon incident alongside the Special Committee."
The Itaewon disaster Special Committee legally holds investigative powers, but does not have the authority to conduct compulsory investigations. As a result, bereaved families have argued that much information is not being provided to the Special Committee and have demanded that a proper investigation be ensured. Spokesperson Kang said that, after listening to the bereaved families, President Lee expressed concern that "due to the special law, the investigation may be too temporary and limited." It was reported that after President Lee ordered the formation of the investigation team, applause broke out among the bereaved families. The formation of the team is currently being reviewed by the Office of Civil Affairs and the police.
Kang Yujeong, the Blue House spokesperson, is briefing on the 17th at the Yongsan Presidential Office building in Seoul regarding the 'National Tragedy Bereaved Families Listening Event' held the previous day at the Blue House Guesthouse. Photo by Yonhap News
President Lee also addressed the issue of secondary victimization with the Sewol ferry bereaved families, stating that "strict sanctions" are necessary. According to spokesperson Kang, President Lee instructed Yoo Jaeseong, acting commissioner general of the National Police Agency, who attended the meeting, to "ensure the establishment of a permanent investigative unit to address secondary victimization."
During the meeting, participants also voiced the need for support regarding psychological trauma following the accidents. One attendee asked President Lee to consider the trauma experienced not only by parents, but also by siblings, soldiers, and medical personnel in a comprehensive manner. Spokesperson Kang explained that President Lee responded by saying he would consider ways to provide as broad protection and follow-up treatment as possible for actual trauma victims.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
