Survivors of Itaewon Tragedy Battle Trauma and Stigma, Urgent Support Needed
A tragic incident that took place in Itaewon, South Korea, on Halloween night last year continues to haunt survivors and victims’ families. The Itaewon crowd crush, in which 158 people lost their lives, left a lasting impact on those who managed to survive the ordeal. They are now battling trauma, stigma, and a lack of support, highlighting the urgent need for assistance.
One survivor, a 16-year-old boy identified as Lee, tragically took his own life 43 days after the incident. His family reveals that he struggled with the stigma attached to being a survivor and felt isolated and helpless. Lee’s mother stated that he became withdrawn and avoided contact with others, as if there was an impenetrable wall between him and the world.
The survivors face not only the mental scars from the tragedy but also the toxic comments they encounter online. Lee, in particular, could not escape these hurtful remarks, which made him feel even more vulnerable and unsupported by society. In a desperate cry for help, he expressed his sorrow and guilt over the loss of his friends, blaming himself and feeling abandoned by the world.
The emotional trauma experienced by survivors, families of victims, and the frontline responders who were present that night has resulted in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological disorders. Hundreds of police officers who were at the scene have sought urgent psychological help, with a significant number requiring therapy to cope with the aftermath.
Unfortunately, the survivors also had to endure secondary wounds inflicted by malicious comments on social media. These hurtful remarks blamed the survivors and victims for their alleged recklessness and accused them of violating safety rules. This additional trauma has hindered their recovery and exacerbated their feelings of guilt and pain.
In-depth interviews conducted by the JoongAng Ilbo with survivors, victims’ families, and first responders reveal the extent of the psychological impact. Many of them are struggling with survivor’s guilt, blaming themselves for not being able to protect their loved ones. The mocking and insults directed at the victims only compound their grief and anguish.
The mental toll on the survivors is evident in their physical health as well. Some have developed physical disorders as a result of their prolonged trauma. The need for support is urgent, as their emotional and physical well-being continues to deteriorate.
To alleviate the suffering faced by the survivors, it is crucial for society to show empathy and understanding. Lee’s mother emphasizes the government’s role in caring for the wounded hearts and minds instead of turning a blind eye to their pain. Adequate support and counseling services must be provided to help them heal and regain a sense of hope.
The Itaewon tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the long-lasting impacts of such incidents on survivors and their families. It is our collective responsibility to offer assistance, combat stigma, and create a compassionate environment where survivors can find solace and hope for the future. Urgent action is needed to prevent further tragedies and provide the necessary support to those affected by this devastating event.
