Prosecutors Refer Seoul Police Chief and Others to Disciplinary Committee over 'Itaewon Disaster'

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Regarding the Itaewon tragedy case, Prosecutor General Lee Won-seok has referred Kim Kwang-ho, Chief of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, and Choi Seong-beom, Chief of the Yongsan Fire Station, to the Prosecutorial Investigation Deliberation Committee (PIDC).

The Supreme Prosecutors' Office announced on the 4th that Prosecutor General Lee decided to have the PIDC deliberate on whether to indict Chief Kim and Chief Choi on charges of professional negligence causing death and injury. It is known that the referral was made by the Prosecutor General's authority.

The Supreme Prosecutors' Office explained, "This decision was made after comprehensively considering the seriousness of the Itaewon tragedy, public interest, the progress of investigations and trials so far, various opinions on the legal principles of professional negligence, domestic and international cases related to professional negligence, and recent rulings."

The PIDC is composed of 150 to 300 external experts, from whom 15 committee members are randomly selected to deliberate on the case. The lead prosecutor and parties involved in the case may submit written opinions or make oral statements to the committee. The committee may also hear explanations from non-parties such as experts if necessary.

The Supreme Prosecutors' Office stated, "By conducting the PIDC, which is composed entirely of external members, we listen to diverse opinions from experts outside the prosecution and parties involved in the case, and through thorough deliberation, we aim to enhance public trust in the criminal justice process."

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