Woo Wonsik to Push for Parliamentary Investigation into Osong Underpass Disaster

Speaker of the National Assembly Woo Wonsik announced on the 23rd that he would push for a parliamentary investigation to uncover the truth behind the Osong underpass disaster that occurred in July 2023.

Woo Wonsik, Speaker of the National Assembly, is speaking while meeting Cardinal Yoo Heungsik at Imjingak Pyeonghwanuri Park in Paju, Gyeonggi Province on the 23rd. 2025.7.23 Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group

On this day, Speaker Woo stated through social networking services (SNS), "We discussed this during a meeting between the floor leaders of the Democratic Party of Korea and the People Power Party, which I presided over today."

He added, "Since the request for a parliamentary investigation has already been submitted, I will ensure that the National Assembly swiftly approves the investigation plan during a plenary session. We will clearly identify the causes of the disaster and hold those responsible accountable, and establish thorough measures to ensure public safety so that such a tragedy does not happen again."

He further emphasized, "This parliamentary investigation into social disasters caused by heavy rainfall is more urgent than ever, especially to prepare for the damage resulting from sudden and concentrated downpours. I will make sure to build a safer Republic of Korea so that such a tragedy is never repeated."

At approximately 8:40 a.m. on July 15, 2023, the embankment of the Miho River near Gungpyeong 2 Underpass in Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju, collapsed, causing river water to flood the underpass. Seventeen vehicles, including a city bus passing through the underpass at the time, were inundated, resulting in the deaths of fourteen people.