[Itaewon Tragedy] Opposition Forms 'Itaewon Tragedy Countermeasures Headquarters'... "We Will Support Nationwide Funeral and Medical Assistance Together"

Comprehensive Support Measures Prepared to Manage the Disaster
"Not the Time to Identify Responsible Parties, Focused on Accident Recovery Stage"

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, along with other Supreme Council members, visited the joint memorial altar for the victims of the Itaewon accident set up at Noksapyeong Station Plaza in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on the 31st to pay their respects. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] The opposition party has formed a task force to manage the aftermath of the Itaewon 'Halloween Day' stampede disaster and decided to provide practical support for survivors and bereaved families, including funeral and psychological treatment assistance.

The Democratic Party's 'Yongsan Itaewon Disaster Countermeasures Headquarters' held a closed meeting at the National Assembly on the afternoon of the 31st to discuss future plans.

After the meeting, Floor Spokesperson Oh Young-hwan told reporters, "Our operational goal is to prepare comprehensive support measures related to the management of the Seoul Yongsan Itaewon disaster," adding, "Since a national, global, and nationwide shock and sorrow have occurred, we have defined this as a socially preventable disaster, as local governments, the government, and police authorities anticipated the large crowds gathering and could have prevented it."

Specifically, regarding funerals taking place nationwide, the party announced it would provide regional support where help is needed. Spokesperson Oh said, "We will offer condolences on behalf of the party and ask if there are any additional needs, sharing in the sorrow alongside them," adding, "We have heard many say that there are shortcomings in the support provided by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, such as living stabilization funds and funeral expenses."

They also discussed confirming whether there are any deficiencies in psychological treatment support for bereaved families and additional medical support for the seriously injured.

However, they stated that they will not yet hold the ruling government responsible. Spokesperson Oh said, "If necessary, it is something that must be done," but added, "It is not yet the stage to make such specific statements." Regarding the consideration of filing charges against those responsible, he explained, "At this point, we do not see a situation to identify specific targets," and "It is still the accident management stage."

The task force plans to visit the accident site after completing the administrative safety committee briefing at the National Assembly on the following day, the 1st.

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