Secondary victimization of the victims and survivors of the Oct. 29 Itaewon disaster is banned, and the application deadlines for support will be extended.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety said on the 3rd that a partial amendment to the Special Act on Protection of Rights of Sufferers, Truth‑Finding, and Prevention of Recurrence of October Itaewon Disaster, which contains these measures, was approved at a Cabinet meeting.
The key element of this amendment is the explicit ban on secondary victimization of the victims and survivors of the Itaewon disaster. No one may disseminate false information or defame victims and survivors through newspapers, broadcasting, or information and communications networks. The state and local governments are also obligated to establish and implement measures to prevent secondary victimization, including publicity and education.
In addition, the application deadlines for various forms of support, such as recognition of victim status, were adjusted to be realistic. The deadline to apply for recognition as a victim, originally May 20 this year, which was within two years of the special act's enforcement, was extended to Mar. 15, 2027, which is within six months after the end of the Special Investigation Committee's activities.
The deadline to apply for healing leave was also extended to Sept. 15, 2027, which is within one year after the end of the Special Investigation Committee's activities. Previously, it was until May 20 last year, which was within one year of the special act's enforcement. The leave period may be used for six months to up to one year if there is a doctor's note.
The extinctive prescription for claims for damages is set at five years from the date the damage and the perpetrator became known (three years under the Civil Act).
In addition, a basis was established for the state and relevant local governments to conduct long-term follow-up studies on victims' health conditions. The findings will be used to prevent victims' social isolation, manage aftereffects, and develop more effective support policies.
The special act approved that day will be promulgated on the 10th and will take effect three months after promulgation.
Yoon Ho-jung, Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS), said, "The government will carry out the related follow-up measures thoroughly during the three-month preparation period until the special act takes effect," and added, "We will provide more proactive guidance so that no one misses out on support because they are unaware of the details."