Itaewon Disaster Citizens' Countermeasures Committee Launched... Moves to Uncover the Truth Begin

The launch press conference of the 10.29 Itaewon Changsa Citizens' Countermeasure Meeting, participated by 165 civic groups, was held on the 7th at the Seoul Christian Hall. Photo by Heo Younghan younghan@

[Asia Economy Reporter Gong Byung-sun] A civic organization for uncovering the truth about the Itaewon disaster and supporting the victims' families is being launched.

On the 7th, 174 civil society organizations including People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy held a press conference at the Korea Christian Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, announcing the launch of the "10·29 Itaewon Disaster Citizens’ Countermeasures Meeting" (Citizens’ Countermeasures Meeting).

In its founding declaration, the Citizens’ Countermeasures Meeting stated, "The Itaewon disaster occurred because the state did not fulfill its responsibilities," and added, "Although a month has passed since the disaster, the government and the ruling party have not responded to the demands of the victims." Furthermore, it said, "The Citizens’ Countermeasures Meeting will weep and shout together with the victims’ sorrow and anger," and "We will persistently hold the government, society, the National Assembly, investigative agencies, and other state institutions accountable to ensure an unflinching investigation and punishment of those responsible."

The Citizens’ Countermeasures Meeting is composed of five organizations: the Truth Investigation Committee, Victims’ Rights Committee, Media Monitoring Committee, Memorial Action Committee, and External Cooperation Committee, along with a Legal Support Group. Meanwhile, the Citizens’ Countermeasures Meeting plans to hold a "49th Day Citizens’ Memorial Ceremony" in front of Exit 1 of Itaewon Station at 6 p.m. on the 16th, together with the Bereaved Families’ Council.

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