[Itaewon Tragedy] Han Dong-hoon Pays Respects at Joint Memorial Altar, "Feeling a Heavy Sense of Responsibility"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Han Dong-hoon, Minister of Justice, visited the 'Itaewon Accident Victims Joint Memorial Altar' set up at Seoul Plaza on the afternoon of the 31st to pay his respects.

After paying respects, Minister Han told reporters, "The Ministry of Justice will do its best to contribute to the government's efforts," adding, "As a public official, I feel a heavy sense of responsibility. We need to establish measures to prevent such incidents from happening again."

Regarding the direction of the preventive measures, he said, "I believe a thorough investigation into the facts and causes will be conducted. After a cold and objective analysis based on that, we will be able to speak further."

He continued, "I cannot even imagine how painful this must be. We will support the bereaved families and the injured, and the government will clarify the facts and clearly identify the causes," he emphasized.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, on the night of the 29th, in relation to the 'Halloween crowd crush disaster' that occurred in Itaewon, Seoul, Minister Han instructed the relevant departments including the prosecution, saying, "Please take thorough measures to ensure that the Accident Countermeasures Headquarters formed at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office works closely with the police to promptly clarify the cause and circumstances of the accident, conduct autopsies, and hand over the victims to their families. Also, please make every effort to provide legal support for recovery, identify foreign victims, and support the entry of bereaved families."

The Ministry of Justice has formed an emergency response team at the Seoul Immigration Office in relation to this accident, carrying out tasks such as identifying foreign victims, supporting the entry and stay of bereaved families and guardians, and providing interpretation services.

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