Presidential Office on Calls to Dismiss Lee Sang-min: "Will Observe Inspection and Investigation First"

'National Apology' Question: "President Yoon Feels Deepest Pain and Infinite Responsibility More Than Anyone"

President Yoon Suk-yeol and Cabinet members are paying tribute by laying flowers at the memorial site in front of Exit 1 of Itaewon Station, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on the 1st. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Bae Kyunghwan] In relation to the 'Itaewon tragedy,' as demands for the dismissal of Lee Sang-min, the Minister of the Interior and Safety, who is the person in charge, intensify, the Presidential Office has stated that it will first observe the internal inspection and investigation process. Regarding President Yoon Suk-yeol's public apology, it was conveyed that "the President feels more heartbroken and carries an infinite sense of responsibility than anyone else concerning this accident."

On the 2nd, a Presidential Office official said at the Yongsan Presidential Office in response to criticisms that "the responsibility of Minister Lee is growing and there are indications that the response was inadequate," "We will thoroughly observe the progress of the inspection and investigation to determine who, how much, and what mistakes were made."

When asked about the scope of 'political responsibility,' the official explained, "Political responsibility must also be based on factual evidence," and added, "I speculate that judgments will be made based on the facts." Currently, the police have begun internal inspections and investigations to clarify the facts and determine responsibility for the incident.

In particular, when asked if there is any possibility that President Yoon would make a public apology or express regret, the official said, "The President emphasizes at every meeting that he must bear infinite responsibility for the safety of each and every citizen." He continued, "In his public address immediately after the accident, the President said that as the leader responsible for the lives and safety of the people, his heart is heavy and it is difficult to contain his sorrow," and added, "The President feels more heartbroken and carries an infinite sense of responsibility than anyone else concerning this accident."

On the same day, the Presidential Office revealed regarding the 'Itaewon tragedy' that the first report to President Yoon was made "38 minutes after the accident occurred, at 10:53 p.m., when the Fire Agency Situation Room notified the Presidential Situation Room of the accident details." It further explained, "The head of the Presidential Situation Room, after confirming the accident situation, reported the occurrence of the accident to President Yoon Suk-yeol at 11:01 p.m. Subsequently, the President received reports on the accident details and the possibility of casualties, checked the on-site response situation, and issued his first directive at 11:21 p.m." Regarding whether there was a separate report from the National Police Agency, the official said, "We understand that reports were made through various channels. However, what we have mentioned are the initial reporting time and reporting route."

On the same day, President Yoon continued his condolence visits, including visiting the joint memorial altar for the victims of the Itaewon tragedy for the third consecutive day. The day before, President Yoon had been briefed on the '112 emergency call records prior to the Itaewon accident' and ordered a 'strict investigation.' It is expected that he will continue to pay respects during the national mourning period, which lasts until the 5th of this month.

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