South Korea's Lee orders new investigation team to look into deadly 2022 crush
Lee's move to launch a new probe came as he met the bereaved families of victims from recent major disasters, including the Halloween crush in Seoul's Itaewon district, his spokesperson Kang Yu-jung told a briefing.
Lee, who took office in June, has promised to make the country safer and to prevent any repeat of the disasters in recent years that have often been blamed on the inadequate response by authorities.
The president said the new investigation team would work alongside a special commission that was launched in September last year to look into the case, according to the spokesperson.
At the meeting with Lee, Song Hae-jin, a representative for the families of the crush victims, said police records and information regarding the government's response to the disaster had been withheld from the special commission.
During his meeting with the bereaved families, Lee bowed deeply as he apologised for any failures by the authorities.
"As the head of the state, I would like to formally apologise on behalf of the government for failing to fulfil its responsibility to protect the lives and safety of the people, and for the many people who lost their lives as a result," he said as some relatives wept.
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CNA
13 hours ago
- CNA
Evidence shows Jeju Air pilots shut off less-damaged engine before crash, source says
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CNA
15 hours ago
- CNA
Japan faces rice shortage as South Korea battles oversupply
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It sent Fujimoto a flyer offering to buy his rice for at least 11,500 yen (US$77.50) for every 30kg this year, which is about twice as much as last year. 'Until three years ago, prices (paid by JA) were stable,' said Fujimoto. 'But in the past year or two, prices rose a little, by 30 per cent. Then this year, it was a big hike." Rice production has tumbled over the years, from a peak of 14.45 million tonnes in 1967 to less than 7 million tonnes last year. Farmers told CNA they were puzzled by the sudden severe shortage, with some pointing to the complexity of the supply chain. In Nagano, known for its mountainous terrain and high-quality rice, some farmers said middlemen are paying three times more for their rice compared to last year. Poor harvests caused by heatwaves and a spike in inbound tourism are being cited as factors for the shortage. Japan's farming population, too, is steadily shrinking. 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Straits Times
17 hours ago
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South Korea reviewing various options to improve North Korea ties, including tourist visits
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