Choi Hyun-joo, Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Member, Urges Extension of 'Special Investigation Committee on Social Disasters'

Choi Hyun-joo, Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Member

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Jun-kyung] The Jeonnam Provincial Council announced on the 22nd that the resolution urging the amendment of the "Special Act on the Investigation of Social Disasters and the Construction of a Safe Society," which was proposed by Representative Choi Hyun-joo (Justice Party, proportional representation), was passed at the 4th plenary session of the 347th extraordinary meeting.

Representative Choi Hyun-joo urged the amendment of the "Special Act on the Investigation of Social Disasters and the Construction of a Safe Society" to extend the activity period of the Special Investigation Commission on Social Disasters (Sacomwi) for the clear identification of the causes of the April 16 Sewol Ferry Disaster and the establishment of comprehensive life safety measures for those related to the Sewol Ferry incident.

Sacomwi began its activities on December 11, 2018, following the passage of the "Special Act on the Investigation of Social Disasters and the Construction of a Safe Society" by the National Assembly on November 24, 2017, aimed at uncovering the truth behind the humidifier disinfectant incident and the April 16 Sewol Ferry Disaster and building a safe society.

Despite adverse conditions such as sealed presidential records designated by President Park Geun-hye regarding the appropriateness of her duties before and after the Sewol Ferry incident, and restricted access to data from the National Intelligence Service and the military, Sacomwi requested nine investigations and discovered manipulation of the Sewol Ferry CCTV DVR (video recording device) data, leading to a request for the appointment of a special prosecutor.

Representative Choi Hyun-joo stated, "Considering that the Past Affairs Committee for Truth and Reconciliation operated for six years and the May 18 Democratic Movement Truth Investigation Committee operated for three years, the two-year activity period of Sacomwi was relatively short from the start."

She added, "To clearly identify the causes of social disasters and establish comprehensive life safety measures, the investigation period of Sacomwi should be extended by one more year until December next year, and if necessary, extended for an additional year."

In particular, she argued, "Even during the period when the first Special Investigation Committee was forcibly disbanded due to repression by the Park Geun-hye administration, the statute of limitations for the April 16 Sewol Ferry criminal acts continued as usual. Therefore, the statute of limitations should be suspended during the forced disbandment period of the first Special Investigation Committee and the activity period of Sacomwi."

Representative Choi said, "Considering that there have been many cases of non-compliance or uncooperative behavior during Sacomwi's investigations, which have been major obstacles to uncovering the truth, judicial police authority should be granted to Sacomwi to enable compulsory investigations."

Furthermore, she urged, "Next year marks the 7th anniversary of the Sewol Ferry Disaster. The truth has still not been revealed, and the families of the victims continue to demand an unreserved investigation and punishment of those responsible. To ensure that such social disasters never happen again in this land, it is essential to amend the law for thorough cause identification and punishment."

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