Police Summon Rep. Shin Hyun-young for Questioning Today Over 'Doctor Car Boarding' Incident

Shin Hyun-young, Member of the Democratic Party of Korea Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Taewon] The police are summoning and investigating Shin Hyun-young, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, who was accused of providing an excuse for the delayed arrival of the 'Doctor Car' at the scene during the Itaewon disaster, on the 20th.

According to the police, the Anti-Corruption and Public Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency called Shin as a suspect this afternoon for questioning. Upon arriving at the police station, Shin reportedly told reporters, "I will explain in detail what I could not say during the national audit period."

Shin, a former doctor, is suspected of boarding the emergency dispatch vehicle of the Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) from Myongji Hospital, where she worked, midway on October 29 last year during the Itaewon disaster, causing a delay in the vehicle's arrival at the scene. Although Shin explained that she went to provide emergency medical assistance, she left the scene just 15 minutes after arriving by riding in the official car of Cho Kyu-hong, the Minister of Health and Welfare. The controversy intensified as she took several photos while at the scene.

Earlier, Lee Jong-bae, a member of the Seoul Metropolitan Council from the People Power Party, and the Committee for Measures for the Underprivileged (Seominwi) filed a complaint last month against Shin for abuse of authority, obstruction of official duties, coercion, and violation of the Emergency Medical Service Act. The Seoul Police Agency subsequently assigned the case to the Anti-Corruption and Public Crime Investigation Unit and launched an investigation.

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