Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has declined to meet with representatives of a special investigation committee regarding the 2022 crowd crush incident. The committee visited the Seoul Detention Centre to persuade Yoon to attend a hearing, which he refused. The National Commission for the Investigation of the October 29 Itaewon Disaster is set to conduct a hearing to uncover the truth behind the accident that claimed 159 lives in central Seoul in October 2022, during Yoon’s presidency.
Wee Eun-jin, the standing commissioner of the commission, informed reporters that Yoon’s lawyers conveyed his inability to attend the hearing due to trial preparations. Despite Yoon’s refusal, Wee met with the detention center’s head to seek cooperation in ensuring Yoon’s attendance at the hearing on Friday morning. Yoon has been in custody facing trial for his failed attempt to impose martial law in December 2024 and other charges.
Wee expressed her belief that Yoon’s detailed account of the disaster day would bring solace to the victims’ families and aid in formulating preventive measures against similar tragedies. Meanwhile, the main opposition People Power Party recently apologized for Yoon’s 2024 martial law declaration and vowed to disassociate from him amidst internal conflicts ahead of the June 3 local elections. The party issued a resolution, signed by all lawmakers, acknowledging the declining public support post the martial law incident and internal discord over the party’s direction and ties with the former president.
Some party members advocate for a clear separation from Yoon, while others support the “Yoon Again” movement, highlighting the party’s internal divisions.
