"Sincerity Over Results"... Kim Hwasin of Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Criticizes Unreviewed Yeosun Incident Reports

"Thorough Review Needed to Ensure No Unjust Victims Remain"

Kim Hwasin, a proportional representative of the Democratic Party at the Jeonnam Provincial Assembly, focused her questions on the feasibility of reviewing 1,925 pending cases within the year during the Yeosun Incident Support Team's work report held at the Jeonnam Provincial Assembly on July 16. She emphasized the need to thoroughly examine the cases to ensure that no injustice remains for the victims of the Yeosun Incident.

During the meeting, Kim stated, "By the end of 2023, a total of 7,465 reports from bereaved families of victims had been received, and of these, 5,540 cases (74.2%) have been reviewed so far." She pointed out, "Only 453 cases, accounting for 6.1% of the total, were processed in the first half of this year."

Kim Hwasin, Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Member

She continued, "I question whether it is realistically possible to complete all of the remaining 1,925 cases, which account for about 26% of the total, within the second half of the year," stressing, "The results must be verified during the year-end administrative audit."

Kim also said, "What is more important than rushing to achieve results is a sincere approach to ensure there are no unjust victims," and added, "Special care must be taken to prevent any cases from being dismissed due to inadequate judgment during the Central Committee's review process."

She further stated, "Do not think your role ends with the submission of the investigation report. You must take responsibility to the end, with the mindset of the bereaved families," adding, "Continuous attention and efforts at the provincial level are needed to uncover the truth of the Yeosun Incident and restore the honor of the victims."

In response, Lee Kilyong, head of the Yeosun Incident Support Team, said, "Currently, five professional investigators and forty-six field investigators are conducting the investigation. In the second half of the year, we will focus on preparing investigation reports and transferring cases to the Central Committee for review."

Lee added, "It seems possible for the working-level support team to complete 100% of the investigations within the year. Considering possible delays in the Central Committee's decisions, we also plan to assign additional investigation personnel."

The Yeosun Incident refers to an event that occurred in October 1948 in the Yeosu and Suncheon areas of Jeonnam, during which numerous civilians were killed in the process of suppression. Investigations to uncover the truth and restore the honor of the victims are still ongoing.