Police Chief Admits "Inadequate On-Site Response in Itaewon"... Establishment of Special Task Force (Comprehensive)

Multiple 112 Emergency Reports Indicate Danger
Investigation into Truth and Responsibility in Response Process

No Current Plans or Intentions to Resign
"Resolving Issues and Managing the Incident Are Top Priorities"

Yoon Hee-geun, Commissioner of the National Police Agency, is deep in thought after making a statement regarding the 'Itaewon tragedy' at the National Police Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, on the 1st. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] Yoon Hee-geun, Commissioner of the National Police Agency, acknowledged the police's inadequate on-site response regarding the Itaewon incident on the 1st and stated, "We will establish an independent special task force within the National Police Agency to uncover the truth."

Commissioner Yoon held a press briefing at the National Police Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, in the morning, saying, "There were numerous 112 emergency calls warning of the severity at the scene just before the accident occurred," and added, "We judged that the on-site response to handle these calls was insufficient." He emphasized, "To clearly reveal the truth of this incident and determine responsibility, we will promptly and rigorously conduct thorough inspections and investigations without exception in all areas."

Commissioner Yoon promised, "We will thoroughly verify the facts regarding whether proper measures were taken after receiving 112 emergency calls that warned of the risk in advance." He also said, "We will investigate comprehensively whether the overall on-site response was appropriate and whether the actions of commanders and personnel at all levels were adequate." The inspections and investigations related to this will be handled by the independent special task force to be established within the National Police Agency in the future. However, the timing of its establishment, its scale, and who will participate as members were not disclosed on this day.

Regarding future inspections and investigations, Commissioner Yoon stated, "To meet the public's expectations and fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to the police, I will approach this with the resolve of 'eupchamma-sok,' willing to make painful sacrifices for the greater good." He added, "We will also meticulously review from the ground up whether there were any shortcomings in the coordinated response of related agencies responsible for public safety and identify structural problems." Furthermore, he promised, "We will actively participate in discussions on government-wide measures to prevent recurrence so that such accidents never happen again, fulfilling the police's role and responsibility."

When asked whether he plans or intends to resign taking responsibility for this incident, Commissioner Yoon replied, "I believe the urgent task is to resolve the current issues, manage the aftermath, and prepare future measures." However, he added, "When the results of the inspections and investigations come out later, I will take appropriate actions regarding any shortcomings at the appropriate time."

Commissioner Yoon said, "Through this incident, I once again deeply feel the infinite responsibility for public safety," and added, "I feel a heavy sense of responsibility." He also expressed hope that "this incident will serve as an opportunity to comprehensively inspect and improve the safety system throughout our society." He bowed his head, saying, "I pray for the repose of the victims, offer my deepest condolences to the bereaved families, and wish a speedy recovery to those injured."

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