[2023 National Audit] Oh Se-hoon "Encourage Voluntary Removal of Itaewon Memorial Altar Whenever Possible"

National Assembly Public Administration and Security Committee State Audit

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon said regarding the Itaewon disaster memorial altar installed in front of City Hall, "We intend to encourage voluntary removal as much as possible."

On the 16th, during the National Assembly Public Administration and Security Committee's audit held at Seoul City Hall, Mayor Oh responded this way to a question from Lee Hae-sik, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, asking if the altar would be removed after the first anniversary of the disaster.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon is attending the National Assembly Public Administration and Security Committee's audit of Seoul City Hall held at Seoul City Hall on the 16th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

He said, "We cannot just wait for one or two years," adding, "At least until the first anniversary of the disaster, we have asked for the citizens' understanding." Earlier, in a city council question session last month, Mayor Oh stated regarding the altar, "I believe we should wait at least until the first anniversary. It is only right to encourage voluntary removal rather than forced removal."

Meanwhile, when Assemblyman Lee pointed out, "The first anniversary of the Itaewon disaster is approaching, but you have never officially met with the bereaved families," Mayor Oh said, "I don't know how you define official or unofficial, but I have tried to make contact through the Deputy Mayor for Government Affairs more than you can imagine."

He added, "I have persistently tried to meet, but the bereaved families' firm stance is that they will not engage with anyone except the representatives they have appointed," and "I have made countless attempts to persuade them."

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