South Korea Parliament Approves New Investigation into 2022 Halloween Crush
South Korea’s parliament has approved legislation mandating a new, independent investigation into the 2022 Halloween crush in the capital Seoul that resulted in the tragic deaths of 159 individuals.
Legislation Approval
The single-chamber National Assembly passed the bill with a 256-0 vote. The bill is set to become law upon being signed by President Yoon Suk Yeol and promulgated by the government agency, steps that are considered formalities due to prior agreement between the president and his ruling party.
Objective of the Investigation
The purpose of the investigation is to uncover the root cause of the crush, examine how authorities managed the disaster, and assign accountability for the incident. The bill also entails the establishment of a fact-finding committee comprising nine members to independently investigate the disaster over a period of up to 15 months.
Next Steps
Once the committee identifies those responsible and individuals who should face charges, the findings will be reported to the government’s investigation agencies. Subsequently, the agencies will conduct investigations on the suspects within a three-month timeframe as outlined in the bill.
Background
The Halloween crush, a significant peacetime tragedy in South Korea, led to a nationwide expression of sorrow. The victims, predominantly in their 20s and 30s, had gathered in Seoul’s Itaewon district for Halloween festivities.
Public Outcry
Following the incident, there was public outrage over the government’s perceived negligence of safety and regulatory concerns, despite previous lessons from the 2014 Sewol ferry disaster that claimed 304 lives, primarily teenagers on a school excursion.
Recent Developments
Despite initial opposition to a new investigation by President Yoon, a shift in stance occurred during discussions with opposition leader Lee Jae-myung. This change aligns with increasing public pressure for cooperation with the Democratic Party, which secured a significant victory in the recent parliamentary election.
Conclusion
The approval of this legislation marks a significant step towards seeking justice for the victims of the 2022 Halloween crush and addressing accountability for the tragic event.