President Lee Meets Bereaved Families of Sewol Ferry, Itaewon, Osong Underpass, and Muan Passenger Plane Disasters
Orders Formation of Dedicated Unit for Investigating Secondary Harm... "Strict Sanctions Needed"
President Lee Jaemyung stated that the special investigation committee on the Itaewon disaster should be granted compulsory investigative authority. He announced plans to form an investigative team including prosecutors and police, enabling joint investigations with the special committee. He also instructed the creation of a permanent, dedicated investigative unit under the police to support bereaved families who suffer secondary harm following social disasters.
Presidential spokesperson Kang Yujeong said on the 17th during a briefing at the Yongsan presidential office that President Lee made these remarks. President Lee met with bereaved families of the Sewol ferry, Itaewon, Osong underpass, and Muan passenger plane disasters at the Blue House guesthouse the previous day.
Spokesperson Kang explained that, regarding the Itaewon disaster special investigation committee, President Lee said, "If necessary, compulsory investigative authority should be granted," and added, "By presidential directive, an investigative team including the police and prosecutors will be formed to conduct a joint investigation with the special committee."
The Itaewon disaster special investigation committee is legally authorized to investigate but does not have the power to conduct compulsory investigations. As a result, bereaved families have claimed that much information is not being provided to the committee and have requested that a proper investigation be ensured.
Spokesperson Kang reported that President Lee commented on the temporary and limited nature of the investigation due to the special law, and when he subsequently ordered the formation of the investigative team, the bereaved families responded with applause.
The investigative team is currently under review by the Office of Civil Affairs and the police. Spokesperson Kang stated, "The review (regarding the formation of the investigative team) has been submitted to the Office of Civil Affairs and the police," and added, "I expect that a concrete plan will be developed after the review is completed."
Additionally, President Lee emphasized the need for "strict sanctions" regarding the issue of secondary harm to Sewol ferry disaster victims' families. According to Spokesperson Kang, President Lee specifically requested Yoo Jaeseong, acting commissioner of the National Police Agency, who attended the meeting, to "establish a permanent, dedicated investigative unit for secondary harm." There were also suggestions that support is needed for psychological trauma following such incidents. One attendee asked President Lee to consider trauma not only for parents but also for siblings, soldiers, and medical personnel. Spokesperson Kang conveyed that President Lee responded by promising to consider ways to provide broad protection and aftercare for actual trauma victims.
Meanwhile, regarding the Osong underpass disaster, bereaved families requested a parliamentary investigation. Spokesperson Kang explained that President Lee expressed agreement, stating, "It is certainly meaningful and necessary," but also noted, "It may not be easy due to opposition from the opposition party. I will review it." Regarding the Muan passenger plane disaster, Spokesperson Kang stated, "President Lee said that under the new administration, all ministries and public officials will renew their commitment and do their utmost to prevent such tragic accidents from claiming lives." She added, "Unlike the Itaewon disaster, there is no reason for political distortion, so he encouraged the bereaved families to first wait for the results of the investigation."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
