Families Still Seek Accountability as Seoul Halloween Crush Anniversary is Commemorated
On the first anniversary of the tragic Halloween crush in Seoul, families and friends of the victims gathered to remember their loved ones and demand accountability for the devastating incident. Last year, a total of 159 people, mostly in their 20s and 30s, lost their lives during the accident that occurred amidst Halloween celebrations in the popular Itaewon nightlife district.
During the commemorative event, thousands of attendees took to the streets, marching together in solidarity. As the victims’ names were called, a poignant chant of We’ll remember you resonated throughout the crowd. The pain felt by the families is still raw, as their grief and loss continue to haunt them.
The father of one of the victims, Song Jin Young, tearfully expressed his remorse, saying, I’m sorry. I’m sorry that I couldn’t protect you. I loved you. Cho Mi-eun, who lost her 24-year-old son in the crush, shared her struggles with depression and the inability to properly mourn his passing. She spoke to the AFP news agency, revealing that as time passes, her sadness deepens, longing grows, and anger intensifies.
Attendees did not hesitate to voice their dissatisfaction with the South Korean President, Yoon Suk Yeol, demanding a more sincere apology from him. The crowd resounded with chants of Apologize! Apologize! during the event. It is worth noting that the families had invited President Yoon to the memorial ceremony, but he did not attend. Instead, he paid his respects to the victims at a church in Seoul.
As part of the anniversary commemoration, the families visited the Itaewon area, retracing the steps of their loved ones. Moreover, attendees called for Safety Minister Lee Sang-min to resign, holding him accountable for the disaster. In January, a police special investigation revealed that both the police and local authorities had anticipated a large turnout on Halloween but failed to implement effective crowd control measures. It was also discovered that the police had disregarded hotline calls from concerned pedestrians warning about the growing crowds.
While over 20 police officers and officials reportedly face trial for their roles in the incident, no high-ranking officials have been held accountable thus far. Seeking justice, the families of the victims and opposition lawmakers have called for an independent investigation into the tragedy.
The aftermath of the Halloween crush in Seoul continues to reverberate, leaving families devastated and demanding answers. As they come together to remember their loved ones on this somber anniversary, the need for accountability remains resolute. The quest for justice is far from over, and the families vow to keep fighting until those responsible are held to account.
