The special investigation committee for truth-finding on the Itaewon disaster will be extended for one more year. As a result, the deadlines for victim recognition, support payments, and healing leave applications will also be extended.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety said on the 8th that a partial amendment bill to the "Special Act on Protection of Rights of Sufferers, Truth‑Finding, and Prevention of Recurrence of October Itaewon Disaster" was approved at a Cabinet meeting. The amendment will take effect upon promulgation on the 15th of this month.
This amendment is to extend by one year the activity period of the special investigation committee for truth-finding and prevention of recurrence related to the Oct. 29 Itaewon disaster. Accordingly, the committee's activity period is extended until Sept. 16, 2027.
The period for remedying the rights of Itaewon disaster victims is also extended at the same time. First, the application period for recognition as an Itaewon disaster victim is extended by one year. Those seeking recognition for damages caused by the Itaewon disaster may submit written applications for victim recognition and support payments to the Itaewon Disaster Damage Relief Review Committee by Mar. 16, 2028.
Eligible applicants include people who participated in emergency rescue and recovery at the time of the disaster; people who were operating an establishment or engaged in work activities near the area; and people who suffered physical, psychological, or economic harm and need recovery. However, public officials who participated in rescue and recovery as part of their duties are excluded.
The deadline to apply for healing leave, which helps the recovery of workers recognized as disaster victims, is also extended by one year. Workers seeking leave to heal physical or psychological harm caused by the Itaewon disaster may apply to their employer for healing leave by Sept. 16, 2028.
Minister Yoon Ho-jung of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS) said, "With this amendment to the special act, we expect continued efforts for thorough truth-finding on the Oct. 29 Itaewon disaster and tangible help for victims and bereaved families in restoring their daily lives," adding, "We will promote and support more proactively so that no one misses out on aid due to lack of information."