Seoul: A ceremony at the National Assembly brought together the assembly speaker, lawmakers, and bereaved families Tuesday to commemorate the crowd crush that killed 159 people in Seoul’s Itaewon neighborhood two years ago, with a pledge to prevent such a tragedy from recurring.
According to Yonhap News Agency, on October 29, 2022, 159 people were killed in a crowd crush during Halloween weekend in Seoul’s Itaewon nightlife district, marking South Korea’s worst-ever crowd disaster. About 120 bereaved family members of the victims and 60 lawmakers from rival parties gathered for a memorial event at the National Assembly, marking the first such event organized by the assembly to commemorate a social disaster.
Photos of the 159 victims lined the walls of the ceremony venue inside the assembly members’ building, accompanied by the message, “We won’t forget the 159 stars.” Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik expressed deep regret, stating, “It was a moment when the state failed in its responsibility. I apologize on be
half of the National Assembly to the bereaved family members and the victims who endured unspeakable sorrow and pain with their whole being.” Woo also pledged full support for an investigation committee tasked with determining who should be held responsible for the deadly accident.
People Power Party floor leader Choo Kyung-ho also committed to ensuring the committee “independently carries out its assigned role,” emphasizing that protecting people’s lives and safety is the primary purpose of the state. Meanwhile, Democratic Party floor leader Park Chan-dae criticized the government for “irresponsible” post-accident measures, accusing it of delays in appointing committee members and of providing insufficient budget and staffing.
The investigation committee was launched in September following the passage of a special bill in May calling for the formation of such a committee to look into the root cause of the tragedy.