Itaewon Bereaved Families "Heartbroken... Will Demand Thorough Investigation Without Any Sanctuary Until the End"

Itaewon Disaster Bereaved Families Association Acting Director MBC Interview
"Unanimous Dismissal by All 9 Judges, Unexpected"

The Constitutional Court dismissed the impeachment of Lee Sang-min, Minister of the Interior and Safety, who was impeached for the inadequate response to the Itaewon tragedy, prompting the Itaewon tragedy bereaved families' group to express "deep sorrow" and regret.

Song Jin-young, acting representative of the 10·29 Itaewon Tragedy Bereaved Families Association, appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' on the 26th and said, "I did not expect such a dismissal with unanimous agreement from all nine justices."

He added, "I have suspicions that each person's opinions were not clearly expressed," and said, "I think they were clearly trying to avoid some kind of pressure."

Lee Jeong-min, acting representative of the Itaewon Disaster Bereaved Families Association, is seated on the afternoon of the 25th at the Grand Bench of the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu, Seoul, to attend the impeachment trial verdict hearing against Lee Sang-min, Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, related to the inadequate response to the Itaewon disaster. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

Regarding the Constitutional Court's judgment, he said, "I think the minister's broad duties were interpreted too narrowly," and pointed out, "Among the state's most important roles, the minister responsible for safety first and foremost failed to fulfill his duties and responsibilities, and even after the tragedy, made inappropriate remarks and failed to respond properly."

Regarding the presidential office's statement after the court's dismissal decision that "the abuse of impeachment rights by the ruling party will face the stern judgment of the people," he criticized, "It is wrong to frame the Itaewon incident as a political struggle," and asked, "How can the people's safety be a subject of political strife?"

About Minister Lee's immediate visit to the flood damage site in Chungnam after the court's dismissal, he said, "I cannot understand Minister Lee Sang-min's behavior, as if he already knew the verdict."

Acting representative Song said, "How can such an incompetent person, who lacks the ability to ensure the people's safety, visit the flood damage site and propose measures? Going to the flood site immediately after the verdict is just a show," he criticized. He then urged Minister Lee to "resign," warning, "If he remains in that position, who knows how many more people will suffer."

Additionally, Acting Representative Song called for the enactment of a special law on the Itaewon tragedy. He stated, "If those responsible cannot be held accountable under current laws, a special law must be created to conduct an unreserved investigation and hold them accountable," and pledged, "We will demand this until the end."

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