Itaewon disaster joint investigation team ends operations

The joint prosecution-police investigation team tasked with uncovering the truth behind the Itaewon crowd crush disaster concluded its operations on the 30th, after 14 months of activity. Following the implementation of revised criminal procedure laws, the remaining investigation responsibilities have been transferred to a newly formed 12-member special police investigation team.

The Supreme Prosecutors' Office announced that several key figures were cleared of charges due to insufficient evidence. This includes Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon regarding charges of occupational negligence resulting in death or injury, former Yongsan District Head Park Hee-young regarding allegations of destroying evidence by replacing a mobile phone, and former acting Fire Commissioner Nam Hwa-young regarding dereliction of duty. Additionally, officials from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety were not prosecuted for allegedly ignoring false reports during a parliamentary investigation.

While many high-profile suspects were cleared, the investigation has previously resulted in the indictment of the former head of the Yongsan Fire Station for occupational negligence and the detention of three individuals for secondary victimization through online defamation. The prosecution stated it will maintain cooperation with the police to ensure no gaps in the investigation during the transition.