Itaewon crush: As thousands demonstrate, South Korea seeks justice for the young

 

The solemn-faced mourners gathered in Seoul to mourn the young victims of the Itaewon crush—and to issue a harsh rebuke to the government—while clutching white candles and black banners.

Numerous vigils and rallies were staged throughout the capital as public outrage over the worst tragedy to hit South Korea in almost a decade grew.

On October 29, a fatal crowd crush that was happening during Halloween celebrations in Itaewon’s nightlife zone left 196 people injured and killed 156 people, most of whom were young.

After a week, the police and fire departments in the area were raided as part of an investigation.

Both the national police head and President Yoon Suk-yeol have expressed regret.

Itaewon crush: As thousands demonstrate, South Korea seeks justice for the young.
The solemn-faced mourners gathered in Seoul to mourn the young victims of the Itaewon crush—and to issue a harsh rebuke to the government—while clutching white candles and black banners.

Numerous vigils and rallies were staged throughout the capital as public outrage over the worst tragedy to hit South Korea in almost a decade grew.

According to BBC News, on October 29, a fatal crowd crush that was happening during Halloween celebrations in Itaewon’s nightlife zone left 196 people injured and killed 156 people, most of whom were young.

After a week, the police and fire departments in the area were raided as part of an investigation.

Both the national police head and President Yoon Suk-yeol have expressed regret.

But it has not been enough to slake the public thirst for justice. Many feel a deep sense of shame that authorities have failed to protect its young – an irony for a country known for its youthful, K-pop driven image on the international stage.

On Saturday, activist and political groups rode on that wave of anger with at least seven vigil-protests across the capital.

The biggest one was organised by Candlelight Action, an alliance of progressive groups, which had been holding regular political protests against President Yoon even before the Itaewon tragedy.

 

It was held near City Hall which saw two lanes of a major road blocked off to accommodate tens of thousands of protesters. Many carried black protest signs that said “Stepping down is an expression of condolence” – a pointed message for President Yoon.

Onstage, speakers took turns to rail against the government in speeches interspersed with mournful song performances and prayers recited by Buddhist monks.

“Although the government clearly has responsibility, it is looking for perpetrators from irrelevant organisations… the incident occurred because the government did not play its very basic role,” said one speaker.

“Step down, Yoon Suk-yeol’s government! Step down, Yoon Suk-yeol’s government!” the crowd chanted, waving their candles and placards.