Presidential Office Reviews State Compensation Law for Itaewon Disaster... "Will Take Full Responsibility"

Yoon at the Chief Secretary Meeting on the 10th: "Truth Investigation and Judicial Responsibility Must Secure Compensation Rights for Bereaved Families"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Phnom Penh (Cambodia) = Lee Ki-min, Asia Economy] The Presidential Office reportedly began a legal review on the issue of state compensation for the Itaewon Halloween crowd crush disaster on the 13th.

A Presidential Office official held a briefing with reporters in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the host city of the ASEAN summit, on the morning of the same day and said in response to related questions, "We conveyed President Yoon Seok-yeol's message at the time of departure," indicating this intention.

The official explained, "There was a discussion that a swift investigation and thorough fact-finding are necessary to fulfill legal responsibilities under the state's unlimited liability."

He added, "While we will take various responsibilities toward the bereaved families, we have already expressed our determination to fulfill all legal responsibilities that the state can undertake."

Earlier, before departing for his Southeast Asia tour, President Yoon emphasized at a senior secretary meeting on the 10th, "We must promptly conduct a forced investigation based on science to uncover the substantive truth of the Itaewon disaster and clearly establish the corresponding legal responsibilities," adding, "That is the duty of the state toward the bereaved families who are in mourning."

In particular, he said, "It is not desirable to vaguely say it is the government's responsibility. Through thorough fact-finding and cause investigation and definite judicial responsibility, we must secure the bereaved families' right to compensation," and instructed, "Sufficient compensation and condolence payments can also be made possible through this process. The government should wholeheartedly do its best for the bereaved families."

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