Seoul Plaza Memorial Altar Exceeds Voluntary Removal Deadline... Bereaved Families Claim "Removal Is Illegal"

[Asia Economy Reporter Gong Byung-sun] The bereaved families of the Itaewon disaster insisted that the Seoul Metropolitan Government's forced removal of the Seoul Plaza memorial altar is illegal and vowed to protect the altar at all costs.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 15th, the 10.29 Itaewon Disaster Bereaved Families Council (the Council) and the Citizens' Countermeasure Meeting held a press conference titled "Condemnation of Seoul City's Illegal and Unfair Administrative Enforcement on the Seoul Plaza Memorial Altar" around 1 p.m. at Seoul Plaza. Attendees included bereaved families, members of the Democratic Party and the Justice Party, and representatives from some civic organizations. Before the press conference, the bereaved families paid tribute to the victims by bowing 159 times, corresponding to the number of victims.

They argued that the installation of the memorial altar at Seoul Plaza falls under 'gwanhonsangje' (ceremonial rites such as weddings and funerals), which does not require assembly notification under the Assembly and Demonstration Act. The Council stated, "The installation of the memorial altar is protected by the Constitution and laws as part of gwanhonsangje," and explained, "Administrative enforcement rather infringes on the fundamental rights of bereaved families and citizens who wish to mourn the victims." Criticism was also raised that instead of removal, Seoul City should actively provide a space for mourning.

There were also claims that Seoul City's administrative enforcement had procedural defects. Ha Joo-hee, Secretary General of the Lawyers for a Democratic Society (Minbyun), said, "A considerable period of notice is required before administrative enforcement," and added, "Procedurally, it must be specified who is carrying out the removal, but no bereaved family member has legally received a notice of removal." Furthermore, she emphasized, "Above all, administrative enforcement should not be carried out without confirmation to evict the bereaved families protecting this space," and added, "Seoul City must not forget its responsibility for the disaster."

They demanded an apology and a meeting with President Yoon Seok-yeol. The Council stated, "The meeting with President Yoon will not end with just submitting documents," and said, "The Council, together with citizens, will ensure that the President meets the bereaved families, apologizes, and promises prevention of recurrence and punishment of those responsible." They also announced plans to hold citizen memorial ceremonies on the 159th and 200th days since the Itaewon disaster.

Although the voluntary removal deadline was until 1 p.m. that day, Seoul City is not expected to forcibly remove the memorial altar. Ahead of the removal deadline, Seoul City reportedly did not request police cooperation. However, Seoul City maintained its stance to proceed with forced removal, stating in a press release, "Mourning must also be conducted within the framework of law and principles." The police deployed 600 to 700 officers around the memorial altar to prevent clashes.

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