{"id":2202582,"date":"2023-10-27T17:00:21","date_gmt":"2023-10-27T08:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2202582"},"modified":"2023-10-30T17:23:18","modified_gmt":"2023-10-30T08:23:18","slug":"a-year-later-itaewons-tragic-halloween-and-koreas-quest-for-accountability","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2023\/10\/a-year-later-itaewons-tragic-halloween-and-koreas-quest-for-accountability\/","title":{"rendered":"A year later: Itaewon\u2019s tragic Halloween and Korea\u2019s quest for accountability"},"content":{"rendered":"
A year ago, a tragic incident occurred in a narrow alleyway of Itaewon: over 150 individuals, predominantly young, lost their lives in a crowd crush during Halloween celebrations.<\/span><\/p>\n As the first anniversary of this devastating event approaches, it not only evokes emotions of grief and anger but also leaves lingering questions.<\/span><\/p>\n The aftermath of the tragedy saw politics take center stage in South Korea. There were contentious debates over the terminology used to describe the fatalities. Simultaneously, there was a tug-of-war between the central administration and local bodies over <\/span>accountability<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n In response, a special police division was established to delve into the incident. Their report, released in January, pinned the blame on local municipal and emergency service officials, citing their <\/span>failure to respond promptly<\/span><\/a> to multiple emergency calls reporting overcrowding and injuries hours before the fatalities occurred.<\/span><\/p>\n As investigations progressed, the government faced mounting criticism. The opposition-dominated National Assembly moved to <\/span>impeach<\/span><\/a> interior minister Lee Sang-min in January, attributing the tragedy to his alleged mismanagement. However, in a turn of events in July, the Constitutional Court unanimously <\/span>overturned<\/span><\/a> Lee\u2019s impeachment, spotlighting the ongoing political skirmishes.<\/span><\/p>\n Following Lee\u2019s reinstatement after a brief suspension due to the impeachment proceedings, the National Assembly\u2019s Interior Committee passed the Oct. 29 Itaewon Disaster Special Act, aiming to intensify the scrutiny of the tragic event.<\/span><\/p>\n Despite these measures, Lee was <\/span>reported<\/span><\/a> to have dismissed the special bill\u2019s implementation, deeming it \u201cunnecessary.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n GOVERNMENT MEASURES<\/b><\/p>\n While the Oct. 29 Itaewon Disaster Special Act was ratified in August, the bereaved families and opposition leaders are pressing for a comprehensive investigation before this Halloween, hoping to prevent another similar disaster.<\/span><\/p>\n Recent events, including the deadly <\/span>floods<\/span><\/a> in July which claimed 14 lives and the disastrous <\/span>World Scout Jamboree<\/span><\/a>, have further challenged the government\u2019s image and its ability to ensure public safety.<\/span><\/p>\n An attempt at rebuilding trust was visible during the annual Seoul International Fireworks Festival at Yeouido Hangang Park earlier this month. Hosting approximately a million spectators, the event showcased enhanced safety measures, including rigorous pre-event inspections, augmented security personnel, advanced crowd management techniques and increased surveillance, as <\/span>highlighted<\/span><\/a> by the Ministry of Interior and Safety.<\/span><\/p>\n The ministry has <\/span>committed<\/span><\/a> to inspecting other popular venues like Itaewon, Myeongdong and Hongdae in the run-up to Halloween. Further, all regional administrations are mandated to operate 24\/7 disaster control rooms and integrate AI-powered crowd-monitoring cameras by <\/span>2027<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n