Opposition 3 Parties Jointly Propose 'Itaewon Disaster Special Act'... Ruling Party Opposes as "Politicization of Disaster"

Proposed Three Months After January National Assembly Special Committee
Special Investigation Committee to Operate for Up to 1 Year and 9 Months
Includes Special Prosecutor Request and Data Submission Order Authority

The three opposition parties are pushing for a special law that includes the establishment of an independent investigative body to uncover the truth behind the Itaewon disaster and prevent its recurrence. This follows about three months after the activities of the January National Assembly Special Committee on the Disaster Investigation concluded.

The Democratic Party, Justice Party, and Basic Income Party submitted the "Special Act on Guaranteeing the Rights of Victims of the 10·29 Itaewon Disaster, Truth Investigation, and Prevention of Recurrence" on the 20th. The bill was jointly proposed by Democratic Party lawmaker Nam In-soon, Justice Party lawmaker Jang Hye-young, and Basic Income Party lawmaker Yong Hye-in.

The bill stipulates the formation of a special investigative committee composed of 17 members (including 5 standing members) recommended by the National Assembly's Committee on the Recommendation of Investigative Committee Members. The recommendation committee is to be appointed by the Speaker of the National Assembly, consisting of 6 members recommended by the National Assembly (3 from negotiation groups and 3 from non-negotiation groups) and 3 members recommended by representatives of the victims' families.

The special investigative committee will operate for one year after the decision to commence the investigation, with the possibility of extending its activity period by up to six months upon resolution by the committee. Additionally, if a comprehensive report needs to be prepared, an extra three months extension is allowed.

The special investigative committee is empowered to conduct truth-finding investigations ex officio and can issue orders for the submission of materials and objects, request audits from the Board of Audit and Inspection, and convene hearings. Notably, if it is deemed necessary to appoint a special prosecutor, the committee can request this from the National Assembly at any time, and the relevant standing committee of the National Assembly must complete the review within three months of the request.

Furthermore, the bill supports projects such as community recovery programs for survivors and bereaved families, the installation of complex facilities, and the creation of memorial parks and memorial halls to honor the victims.

In addition, the bill establishes the 10·29 Itaewon Disaster Victim Relief Deliberation Committee under the Prime Minister, composed of nine members including one chairperson. This committee will handle tasks related to victim relief and support.

On the 27th, officials from the 10.29 Itaewon Disaster Citizens' Countermeasures Committee held a press conference in front of the joint memorial altar for the victims of the Itaewon disaster set up at Seoul Plaza in Jung-gu, Seoul, ahead of the 10.29 Truth Bus's 10-day nationwide tour departure. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

The special law clearly defines the rights and definitions of victims. Disaster victims have the right to participate in government administrative processes such as truth investigations, to be free from discrimination and protected from hatred. They are also entitled to privacy protection, the right to remembrance, memorialization, and mourning, as well as access to necessary support including living assistance, medical care, psychological treatment, and legal aid.

The Itaewon special law was promoted following demands from bereaved families and the special committee for additional investigations after the National Assembly Special Committee on the Disaster Investigation's term ended. The bill is based on a draft law submitted by the bereaved families' council to each party. Since announcing the draft special law in February, the bereaved families' council and the citizens' countermeasure committee have been urging the enactment of the law. Over 20 bereaved family members have toured the country on the "10.29 Truth Bus" to raise awareness about the special law.

The three opposition parties are expected to actively push for the passage of the special law in the National Assembly plenary session. On the same day, Park Hong-geun, the Democratic Party floor leader, attended a press conference emphasizing the necessity of the bill, and Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party leader, visited the Itaewon disaster memorial altar set up at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, pledging to prevent recurrence.

Resistance from the ruling party is also anticipated. The People Power Party opposes the enactment of the special law, pointing out that the police have already announced the investigation results and that a National Assembly investigation has already been conducted. Earlier, on the 18th, Yoon Jae-ok, the People Power Party floor leader, criticized the special law, saying, "We hope the Democratic Party and the three opposition parties will stop politicizing the disaster."

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