Government That Vetoed Itaewon Special Act Decides to Form '10·29 Disaster Victim Support Committee'

Victim Livelihood Support Fund and Medical Expense Expansion
Prompt Compensation Even Before Civil and Criminal Trial Confirmation
Prime Minister's Affiliated 'Victim Support Committee' Formed

Bang Gi-seon, Minister of Government Policy Coordination, is briefing on the special law related to the Itaewon disaster at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 30th. At the Cabinet meeting held that day, the Cabinet members approved the request for reconsideration of the special law on the Itaewon disaster passed by the National Assembly. Photo by Jo Yong-jun jun21@

The government, which requested President Yoon Seok-yeol to exercise the right of reconsideration (veto) over the 'Itaewon Disaster Special Act' citing concerns that it could undermine fairness and neutrality, has decided to establish a comprehensive support plan for victims. The plan includes increasing living stability support funds and medical expense assistance for victims, and forming a Victim Support Committee under the Prime Minister.

On the 30th, Bang Gi-seon, Director of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, stated at a briefing held at the Government Complex Seoul on the 'Reconsideration Request for the Itaewon Disaster Special Act and Comprehensive Victim Support Plan,' "Despite the resolution to request reconsideration of the Special Act, the government has decided to establish and promote a '10.29 Disaster Victim Support Comprehensive Plan' that reflects the intent of the Special Act on a whole-of-government basis."

First, the government plans to expand support funds, medical expenses, and nursing care costs to stabilize the lives of victims of the Itaewon disaster. Although civil and criminal trials are ongoing, the government intends to promptly provide compensation and necessary support even before the final verdict is confirmed.

For workers who suffered physical and mental harm due to the disaster, healing leave will be supported, and various psychological stabilization programs will be operated to help victims recover their daily lives. Local governments will also consult with bereaved families to build memorial facilities for the victims.

As a support organization, a provisional '10.29 Disaster Victim Support Committee' will be formed under the Prime Minister. Director Bang said, "We will immediately begin organizing the committee," adding, "Since the composition must be discussed with the bereaved families, we will inform you once the final arrangements are completed."

Additionally, the government plans to devise economic revitalization measures centered on the Itaewon area and support community recovery, including assistance for those injured during rescue and recovery operations.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is speaking at the Cabinet meeting held at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 30th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier that day, the government held a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, where it resolved to have President Yoon exercise the right of reconsideration on the Itaewon Disaster Special Act.

Director Bang explained the reason for the repeated resolution to exercise the right of reconsideration, saying, "This bill not only violates the spirit of the Constitution but also infringes on the basic rights of the people and risks deepening social division."

He pointed out, "The Special Act stipulates that the Special Investigation Committee (Special Committee) can wield strong powers such as accompanying orders without a court warrant," adding, "There is also a provision allowing the request for a search warrant simply because a request for document submission was refused. This undermines the warrant principle established by the Constitution."

He also said that fairness and neutrality are not guaranteed in the composition and operation of the Special Committee. The Special Act stipulates that when selecting 11 members of the Special Committee, the ruling party recommends 4, the opposition party 4, and the Speaker of the National Assembly 3. Regarding this, he said, "In reality, the majority party in the National Assembly can control the composition of the Special Committee," and "If implemented as is, it is clear that political strife over the disaster will be severe from the stage of forming the Special Committee."

He particularly noted, "The National Assembly Budget Office estimates that 9.6 billion won will be required for the Special Committee's personnel expenses alone over the next two years," expressing concern that the Special Act could disrupt frontline disaster management system operations.

Regarding concerns that exercising the veto on the Special Act might appear one-sided to the bereaved families, Director Bang said, "It was an unavoidable decision due to serious concerns about constitutional values and infringement of the people's basic rights," and explained, "It is not one-sided but a sincere request to the National Assembly to reconsider the matter once again."

On the issue of fact-finding demanded by the bereaved families, he said, "So far, the police have deployed more than 500 personnel to thoroughly investigate the incident, and through supplementary prosecution investigations, 23 people including the Seoul Police Chief have been indicted, with six detained," adding, "The government has done its best to determine the cause."

When asked about compensation before the final verdict is confirmed and what would happen if the trial results differ from expectations, he replied, "We are currently consulting with the Ministry of Justice to establish specific procedures."

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