Joo Ho-young: "If We Weigh Responsibility, the Yongsan Chief Is Most Responsible"

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, is attending the party floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on the 1st and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy reporters Lee Ji-eun and Kwon Hyun-ji] Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, responded to criticisms calling the suspension of the Yongsan Police Chief over the Itaewon Halloween incident a "scapegoating" by saying, "If we consider the degree of responsibility, I think the Yongsan Police Chief bears the greatest responsibility."

On the 3rd, at the Seoul Lotte Hotel where the Korea-Japan Parliamentary Union meeting was held, Joo told reporters, "How can that be scapegoating?"

He said, "I had doubts about why the responsible Yongsan Police Station was not immediately held accountable," and emphasized, "They should have immediately removed the chief from duty after the incident and entrusted the recovery to a new commander."

He added, "Why they failed to anticipate and respond early on, what the Yongsan Police Chief was doing at that time, what reports he received beforehand, and how he took action?those with legal responsibility cannot evade it," and said, "I don't think that the Yongsan Police Chief taking responsibility means he is exempt from command or political responsibility."

Joo also said, "Since the investigation is ongoing, I believe there will be precise accountability depending on the results," and added, "I would also like to point out that during the previous administration, there were criticisms that the police were too closely aligned with the government and neglected their fundamental duties."

Regarding the Democratic Party's demand for a parliamentary audit on the National Police Agency related to this incident, he said, "After reviewing the request for the parliamentary audit, we will decide whether to accept it, as well as its scope and timing," and noted, "that the mourning period lasts until the 5th, that resolving the situation is a priority, that the investigation is ongoing, and that an urgent inquiry by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety is scheduled for Monday (November 7th) were all taken into consideration."

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