Prime Minister Han Apologizes at Itaewon Disaster Memorial: "We Will Uncover the Truth and Fulfill Our Responsibilities"

"We Could Not Give the Victims' Families Sufficient Answers... Will Support Investigations and Special Commission Probe"
Vows to Support Memorial Facility and Foundation... Improve Disaster Prevention and Response Systems

Prime Minister Han Seongsuk apologized to the families of the victims and the public on behalf of the government at a memorial ceremony for the October 29 Itaewon disaster on the 24th, and pledged to thoroughly uncover the truth and prevent a recurrence.

Yonhap News Agency

At the citizens’ memorial gathering marking the fourth anniversary of the Itaewon disaster, held at Seoul Plaza on the afternoon of the 24th, Prime Minister Han said, “The state exists to protect the precious lives and everyday lives of its people,” adding, “On behalf of the government, I offer my deepest apologies once again.”

Prime Minister Han said that a joint government audit last year found systemic failures in the response to the disaster and inadequate disciplinary action against those responsible, but that the government had not provided sufficient answers to the victims’ families, who had called for the truth to be uncovered and those responsible to be held accountable. “We will ensure that the truth is fully revealed,” she said, pledging to provide all necessary support and cooperation for thorough investigations by the authorities and the Special Investigation Commission.

She pledged to work with local governments and civil society, reflecting the wishes of the victims’ families, to establish a memorial facility for healing and recovery, and to support the creation of a foundation to commemorate the victims. She added that the government would preserve and pass on the records and lessons of the disaster and improve its disaster prevention and response systems.

“I will not leave you to bear the sorrow alone,” Prime Minister Han said, stressing that she would listen to the voices of the victims’ families and fulfill the state’s responsibilities.

Earlier, President Lee Jaemyung also apologized to the victims’ families and the public in October last year, as the president responsible for the lives and safety of the people. In July last year, the government formed a joint police and prosecution investigation team to investigate the causes of the disaster and secondary victimization of victims and their families. After 1 year and 2 months of joint investigation, the government also formed a separate team at the National Police Agency to continue the probe.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.