Prime Minister Kim: "Itaewon Disaster Was a Tragic Calamity... President Also Spoke of 'Heavy Responsibility'"

"Insufficient Investigation, Inadequate Disciplinary Actions...
We Will Continue to Take Actions Commensurate with Responsibility"
Memorial Address on the 3rd Anniversary of the Disaster...
"No Words or Actions Should Hurt or Disgrace the Bereaved Families Anymore"

On October 25, Prime Minister Kim Minseok stated regarding the Itaewon disaster, "We are still not free from the desperate cries of the bereaved families demanding the truth be uncovered and those responsible be punished."

Yonhap News Agency

At the '10·29 Itaewon Disaster 3rd Anniversary Citizens' Memorial Ceremony' held at Seoul City Hall Plaza on this day, Prime Minister Kim delivered a memorial address, saying, "This was not a simple accident, but a tragic disaster brought about by the collapse of public responsibility and the public safety net."

Prime Minister Kim also said, "The President stated, 'The most fundamental reason for the existence of the state is to protect the lives and safety of its people. I feel an immeasurably heavy responsibility.'"

He emphasized, "The lives and safety of the people are the state's primary reason for existence. Although disaster response standards have been improved and prevention systems strengthened since the Itaewon disaster, there are still many unresolved issues."

He continued, "A few days ago, a joint government audit once again confirmed that insufficient preparation and an overall inadequate response were the causes of the disaster. The investigation into the truth was insufficient, and the disciplinary actions were inadequate."

Prime Minister Kim stressed, "We will continue to take actions commensurate with responsibility. As the chairperson of the memorial committee and on behalf of the government, I promise this."

Addressing the bereaved families of the disaster victims, he said, "We will never forget or overlook your earnest wishes, voiced even in immeasurable pain, and we will strive to create a safer Korea." He also pledged to build a memorial facility reflecting the opinions of the bereaved families.

He added, "When memories come together, they form solidarity. We must turn remembrance and memorial into a solidarity for action toward a safer nation. Let us all-government, citizens, and local communities-work together to create a safer society."

In addition, Prime Minister Kim announced that on the 29th, the day of the disaster, the official government memorial event, the '3rd Anniversary Remembrance Ceremony,' will be held. He earnestly requested, "I sincerely ask the public: From now on, no words or actions should hurt or disgrace the bereaved families of the disaster."

After delivering his memorial address, Prime Minister Kim comforted the bereaved families of foreign victims by holding their hands. Upon returning to his seat, he took off his glasses and wiped away tears.

The memorial ceremony was co-hosted by the 10·29 Itaewon Disaster Bereaved Families Association, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and the Seoul Metropolitan Government. This was the first time since the disaster that the bereaved families and the government co-hosted the event. Prime Minister Kim attended as the chairperson of the memorial committee, representing the government.