Itaewon Special Committee Requests Investigation into Yongsan Chief... Song Ki-chun Resigns as Chairperson

Allegations of Ordering Removal of Government-Critical Leaflets
Investigation Request Planned for Yongsan Chief Park Heeyoung
Committee Chair Song Kichun to Step Down on May 8

The Special Investigation Committee on the Itaewon 10·29 Disaster, established to uncover the truth behind the tragedy and prevent its recurrence, has decided to request an investigation into Park Hee-young, Chief of Yongsan District, over allegations that she instructed the removal of government-critical leaflets on the day of the disaster.

According to the committee on May 7, it plans to hold its 57th meeting on the morning of May 8 to approve the agenda item requesting an investigation into Chief Park. After the resolution, the committee will submit an official request to the joint prosecution-police investigation team.

Chief Park came under suspicion during a public hearing on the Itaewon disaster held in March, where she was accused of instructing staff on night duty to remove anti-government leaflets that had been posted near the presidential office on the night of the disaster.

Song Ki-chun, Chair of the Special Investigation Committee on the Itaewon Disaster. Yonhap News.

The committee determined that the task of removing leaflets did not fall within the original scope of work for the night duty office. It has been reviewing the possibility of applying charges of abuse of authority and obstruction of the exercise of rights. However, Chief Park has denied these allegations.

A committee official explained, "Due to the limitations of the committee's investigation, it is difficult to say that all criminal suspicions have been fully clarified, which is why an investigation request, rather than a formal complaint, has been made."

Meanwhile, Song Ki-chun, who has led the committee, will step down from his position effective May 8, following a retirement ceremony held on the morning of May 7. The reason for his resignation has not been disclosed.

For the time being, the committee will be operated under the acting leadership of committee member Lee Sang-cheol after Song's resignation.

The committee plans to initiate the process of electing a new chairperson as soon as a new standing member, recommended by the National Assembly Speaker, is appointed.

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