Muted Halloween Observances in South Korea Mark One-Year Anniversary of Fatal Crowd Surge

This year’s Halloween celebrations in South Korea have been notably restrained, coinciding with the first anniversary of the tragic crowd surge that resulted in approximately 160 fatalities.

Various establishments such as restaurants, bars, department stores, and amusement parks have deliberately abstained from hosting Halloween-related events as a mark of homage to those who lost their lives. The usually bustling Itaewon neighborhood in Seoul, where the calamitous incident occurred last year, saw only a sparse number of individuals in Halloween attire. Last year’s tragedy unfolded when an overwhelming crowd packed into a narrow, inclined alley, resulting in people tumbling over one another in a domino effect.

The same alley in Itaewon is now adorned with an array of post-it notes bearing messages of condolence, and white floral tributes lay scattered on the ground.

To ensure public safety, authorities initiated the deployment of a substantial number of law enforcement personnel and emergency responders starting from the preceding Friday. These personnel were stationed in Itaewon as well as 15 other significant entertainment districts across Seoul. An additional contingent of approximately 200 police officers was specifically mobilized to supervise potential drug usage and violent crimes, as reported by the Seoul police.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon expressed his renewed apologies and conveyed the weight of responsibility he feels for last year’s catastrophic event. “The only way to truly heal from this tragedy is to ensure that such incidents never recur,” he stated on Friday.

Families of the deceased have organized an official memorial ceremony set to take place on Sunday.

Earlier this year, a specialized police investigative team revealed that despite accurate predictions regarding crowd sizes in Itaewon, both police and city officials failed to execute effective crowd control measures. The investigation further indicated that law enforcement did not heed warning calls about the escalating crowd situation prior to the tragedy.

The catastrophe in Itaewon stirred a nationwide wave of mourning, with a notable concentration of victims being individuals in their 20s and 30s. Public sentiment also expressed frustration over the government’s repeated failure to address safety and regulatory protocols, despite previous lessons from the 2014 ferry Sewol disaster that resulted in 304 deaths, predominantly teenagers.

Since the Itaewon tragedy, attempts have been made to overhaul the national safety infrastructure and emergency response procedures. However, incidents related to safety continue to occur. Park Sangin, a professor at Seoul National University, criticized the government’s reactive approach, saying, “The core issue is the lack of a sustained, comprehensive strategy and clear accountability.”

In a related development, authorities announced criminal charges, including involuntary manslaughter and negligence, against 23 officials in the aftermath of their January investigation. Notably absent from this list were any high-ranking officials. Most of the accused remain under trial.

In February, South Korea’s opposition-dominated parliament voted in favor of impeaching Safety Minister Lee Sang-min in connection with the Itaewon incident. However, the Constitutional Court later reversed this decision in July.

Families of the victims, along with their advocates, have called on President Yoon Suk Yeol for a more forthright apology and an exhaustive, independent inquiry. In a collective statement, they emphasized their quest for understanding the root causes of the tragedy that resulted in 159 deaths and countless others suffering from injuries or psychological trauma. Reports indicate that President Yoon has opted not to attend the upcoming memorial, citing concerns that the occasion could be politically exploited by the opposition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Subdued Halloween Celebrations in South Korea

More about Subdued Halloween Celebrations in South Korea

• South Korea’s Halloween Tragedy: One Year Later
• Itaewon Crowd Surge: Investigation Findings
• Public Safety Measures in Seoul
• Impeachment and Legal Actions Following Itaewon Incident
• Calls for Accountability and Victims’ Families Demands
• President Yoon Suk Yeol’s Response to Itaewon Tragedy