South Korea’s president apologized on Monday for the Halloween crowd surge that led to 156 deaths, pledging to hold to account officials who failed to respond to the incident and make police reform.
President Yoon Suk-yeol called for “a sweeping overhaul” of police services related to risk management and accident prevention, as well as a thorough investigation into the Oct. 29 tragedy that happened in Seoul’s district of Itaewon.
“I cannot compare myself to the parents who lost their sons and daughters, but as the president who should protect the people’s lives and safety, I grieve and my heart is heavy,” Yoon said in a meeting to review safety rules, The Korea Times reported.
“I feel a sense of apology to the bereaved families who are facing an indescribable tragedy and to the nation that is sharing in the pain and sadness,” the president added.
Yoon promised to make the entire investigation process “crystal clear” to the public and ensure that any contributors to the tragedy “take grave responsibility” depending on the outcome of the probe.
Onlookers, police and paramedics gather where dozens of people suffered cardiac arrest, in the popular nightlife district of Itaewon in Seoul, South Korea, on Oct. 30, 2022. (Jung Yeon-Je/AFP via Getty Images)
The tragedy, which left at least 156 people dead and hundreds of others injured, was concentrated in a narrow downhill alley in Itaewon, where about 100,000 people had gathered for Halloween festivities.
Witnesses described people falling on one another, suffering severe breathing difficulties, and falling unconscious. Most of the victims were teenagers and young adults.
Police have faced criticism for their response during the tragedy after a transcript of emergency calls received by police on Oct. 29 revealed that citizens had notified them of the risk of a crowd crush in Itaewon, but there was no prompt response.
“When police received the first emergency call at around 6.34 p.m., it is assumed that the situation at the site could have been chaotic, and how can you say that police have no authority to control the situation?” Yoon asked in the meeting.
Police said they had sent 137 officers to maintain order during the Halloween festivities, but observers questioned whether they were enough to handle the estimated 100,00 people gathered in Itaewon.
Yoon has called for sweeping police reform to improve safety management and prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
“No matter how advanced systems and manuals we prepare may be, a similar kind of tragedy will inevitably be repeated if the situation is not properly communicated and shared quickly,” he said.
Four officials from Yongsan district police station and fire department have been booked for investigation, including police chief Lee Im-jae—whose duties have been suspended due to the incident—for alleged negligence in the tragedy.
The investigation team has seized 7,134 documents and digital data related to the incident, as well as 157 video clips for analysis, Yonhap News Agency reported.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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