Former President Yoon Seok-youl has refused to attend the upcoming hearing organized by the Special Investigation Committee aimed at ascertaining the facts surrounding the Itaewon tragedy that occurred on October 29. Scheduled for October 12-13, the committee sought to persuade Yoon to attend, especially for a session focusing on the lack of a disaster control tower and accountability. However, Yoon declined the committee's request during a visit to the Seoul Detention Center, where he is currently held, insisting that his ongoing trial obligations prevented him from attending. Despite attempts to adjust the court schedule to accommodate him, Yoon reiterated his refusal to participate, making him the only witness to submit a notice of absence.

The Special Investigation Committee has invited 77 individuals to participate in the hearing, and if Yoon does not attend, they may consider filing charges against him. According to the Itaewon disaster special law, failing to attend without justifiable reasons or refusing to testify can incur penalties of up to three years of imprisonment or fines up to 30 million won. The hearings will cover various aspects of disaster management, including command systems during disasters, victim handling, and overall disaster-response evaluations, organized into nine sessions.

Committee Chairman Song Gi-chun emphasized that the hearings aim to uncover the truth behind the tragedy rather than targeting individuals or institutions for blame. This highlights the committee's focus on accountability and the need for systemic improvements in disaster response, reflecting a critical examination of the events leading to and following the Itaewon disaster.