Itaewon Tragedy Bereaved Families Deliver Meeting Request to Yoon... "Urging a Sincere Apology"

[Asia Economy Reporter Gong Byung-sun] The bereaved families of the Itaewon disaster sincerely demanded an apology and a meeting with President Yoon Suk-yeol.

On the morning of the 23rd, Lee Jong-cheol, the representative of the Bereaved Families Association (right), holds a request letter for a meeting during a press conference publicly requesting a presidential meeting with the bereaved families of the October 29 Itaewon disaster, held in front of the War Memorial in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 23rd, the October 29 Itaewon Disaster Bereaved Families Council (the Council) and the Citizens' Countermeasure Meeting held a "Press Conference Requesting a Meeting with President Yoon Suk-yeol" in front of the Presidential Office in Yongsan, Seoul. About 20 bereaved family members and representatives of some civic groups shouted slogans such as "The President must officially apologize sincerely" and "The President must decisively enact the Itaewon Disaster Special Act" in front of the Presidential Office.

They demanded a public meeting with President Yoon. Lee Jong-cheol, the Council representative, said, "Isn't President Yoon ashamed for ignoring the 159 people who tragically died and the bereaved families who live unable to die, and for putting all efforts into keeping only Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min?" He added, "Since the People Power Party is currently reluctant to establish an independent investigative body, the President's decision is necessary for the enactment of the Special Act. We request a meeting with President Yoon."

Furthermore, they urged President Yoon to offer an official apology. Representative Lee said, "Without President Yoon's sincere apology, the arrogant attitudes of Minister Lee and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon will continue," and "We earnestly appeal that he show a heartfelt condolence and acknowledge the state's responsibility."

After the press conference, they submitted a meeting request letter through the Presidential Office's Office of National Unity.

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