Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung has directed the establishment of a joint investigation team comprising police and prosecutors to fully uncover the truth behind the 2022 Itaewon crowd crush, as announced by the presidential office.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee made this commitment during a meeting on Wednesday with the families affected by various social disasters, notably the Itaewon tragedy, which resulted in 159 fatalities during Halloween celebrations in 2022.

Presidential spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung reported that Lee expressed concerns over the lack of transparency surrounding the incident. He pointed out that the investigation's limitations had left many questions unanswered. The president indicated his willingness to consider expanding the investigative powers of the special committee, which currently is limited to conducting inquiries.

Kang further explained that the Office of the Presidential Secretary for Civil Affairs has started reviewing the situation. A comprehensive plan will be developed once the review is completed, she assured reporters.