Prime Minister of Korea: "I deeply apologize again for the Itaewon disaster... The truth must be clearly revealed."

Attending a citizen memorial service... “We support the investigation and special investigation committee to ensure a thorough investigation.”

(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Hwang Yoon-gi = Prime Minister Han Seong-sook bowed her head at the memorial service for the October 29 Itaewon disaster on the 24th, saying, "I once again apologize deeply on behalf of the government."

Prime Minister Han attended the citizens' memorial service commemorating the 4th anniversary of the Itaewon disaster held at the Seoul City Hall Square this afternoon and said, "The nation exists to protect the precious lives and daily lives of its citizens."

Previously, President Lee Jae-myung also apologized to the bereaved families in October last year, saying, "As a president responsible for the lives and safety of the people, I once again offer my deepest apologies to the bereaved families and the public."

Prime Minister Han promised, "Last year, a government joint audit confirmed the overall inadequacy of the response system and revealed insufficient disciplinary action against the responsible person, but we were unable to provide a sufficient answer to the desperate voices of the bereaved families demanding an investigation of the truth and fulfillment of responsibility. We will ensure that the truth is clearly revealed. We will provide all necessary support and cooperation to ensure that the investigation and special committee investigation are conducted thoroughly."

Prime Minister Han also added, "We will gather the wishes of the bereaved families and work with local governments and civil society to create a memorial facility for healing and recovery and support the establishment of a foundation to commemorate the victims. We will ensure that the records and lessons of the disaster are intact and passed on, and we will thoroughly improve the disaster prevention and response system."

At the same time, he pledged, “There are many things that are insufficient to fully understand the weight of the sorrow of losing a beloved family member, but I will not leave the sadness to you only,” and pledged, “I will listen to your voice and fulfill my national responsibility to the end.”

In July of last year, the government established a joint investigation team of prosecutors and police to investigate the cause of the disaster and secondary harm to the victims and their families for one year and two months. Currently, a separate team was formed at the National Police Agency to continue the investigation.