Handonghun Apologizes for 'Itaewon Disaster' "'Victims and Casualties' Are Words That Resonate More with the People"

Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon attended the full meeting of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee held at the National Assembly on the 2nd and is organizing materials. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] Regarding the 'Itaewon crowd crush disaster,' Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon stated, "The state must take unlimited responsibility" and apologized, saying, "I apologize."

On the afternoon of the 7th, Minister Han said at the National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee plenary session in response to the apology demand from Park Beom-gye of the Democratic Party of Korea, "I could not have imagined such an incident (disaster) happening. I feel sorry," expressing his stance.

Regarding the controversy over the terms 'accident victims' and 'disaster victims,' Minister Han said, "Using words like that in front of a disaster does not look good before the people," adding, "I believe referring to them as victims and casualties brings us closer to the people."

Minister Han mentioned plans to utilize the 'Smile Center,' established for psychological treatment of crime victims, to support survivors of the disaster. He added, "On the 1st of this month, we revised the regulations so that victims of large-scale disasters can be eligible for support. We will provide assistance according to the expanded scope."

Regarding the investigation by the Police Agency's Special Investigation Headquarters, he said, "The prosecution is also preparing while reviewing the legal aspects." Concerning the possibility of additional investigation and indictment by the prosecution after the case is sent, Minister Han explained, "By revising the enforcement decree, we completely abolished the enforcement rules that excessively restricted the prosecution's investigation of cases sent by the police," adding, "Compared to the past, direct investigation is possible within a more flexible scope, and we will be able to conduct thorough investigations to ensure no public doubts remain."

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