Investigative squad assembled under Lee's command to probe into the 2022 mass crowd crush incident
In a significant move towards justice, President Lee Jae Myung has recently ordered the formation of a new joint investigation team to delve deep into the tragic 2022 Itaewon crowd crush incident. The incident, which took place during Halloween festivities and claimed 159 lives, has left many families searching for answers.
The new joint investigation team, comprising police and prosecutors, will work alongside the special commission already established in September 2022 to probe the case. The order was made public on July 17, 2025, following a meeting between President Lee and bereaved families of victims from various recent social disasters.
President Lee acknowledged that the truth of the incident had not been properly revealed previously and expressed understanding of the families' frustrations, especially regarding the limited investigative powers of the existing special investigation committee. In response to these concerns, Lee is considering granting compulsory investigative powers if necessary.
The review by the Office of the Presidential Secretary for Civil Affairs, which is currently underway, aims to uncover the full truth behind the tragedy. The review is being conducted by the current administration and is in response to the concerns of bereaved families. The aim is to address the limited authority of the special investigation committee and provide a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
During the meeting, President Lee formally apologised on behalf of the government for failures to protect the victims and pledged to make the country safer to prevent such disasters in the future. Additionally, Lee plans to invite families of foreign victims to the third anniversary memorial ceremony scheduled in October 2025.
A detailed plan will be drawn up following the review by the Office of the Presidential Secretary for Civil Affairs. The statement by President Lee Jae Myung was quoted by presidential spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung. The meeting included families affected by various social disasters, not just the Itaewon tragedy. The order was made by President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday.
As the investigation progresses, the hope is that the truth behind the 2022 Itaewon crowd crush will finally be uncovered, providing closure to the families who have been affected by this tragic event.
The new joint investigation team, consisting of police and prosecutors, will work in tandem with the special commission established in September 2022, to probe the 2022 Itaewon crowd crush incident as part of President Lee Jae Myung's policy-and-legislation response to general-news events and public concerns. Results from the Office of the Presidential Secretary for Civil Affairs' review, currently underway, may lead to the granting of compulsory investigative powers and a comprehensive investigation into the event, aiming to address the limited authority of the existing special investigation committee.
