Ah, the Itaewon massacre—a tragedy that echoes with unbearable grief and a profound sense of injustice. It’s a tale of sorrow, accountability, and, frankly, a bureaucratic comedy that’s not as funny as it should be. Two years ago, a Halloween celebration turned into a nightmare, leaving 159 families yearning for answers amidst a sea of unanswered questions and, sadly, very little action from those in power.
Now, on the second anniversary of that tragic event, the families and their allies have come back to the scene: Exit 1 of the Itaewon Subway Station. Oh, the irony! A haunted place—no ghosts, just memories. Last week, they laid flowers and held vigils while reminding everyone why it’s crucial not to forget that dreadful night. You know, it’s like trying to forget a bad haircut. You can’t just erase it from existence!
Light Sentences for Heavy Crimes
Just when we thought we had seen the worst of it, the courts issued their verdicts like it was some legal lottery. “Oh, only two to three years?” That sounds about as satisfying as a soggy biscuit. The families of the victims looked on, crestfallen, as those responsible got away with what they deemed a gentle pat on the back instead of the justice they were crying out for! One family member, Park Young-su, eloquently expressed the silence echoing in their hearts: “What are they afraid of, and what is more important than 159 lives?”
Ah, that’s the key question, isn’t it? The kind of question politicians dodge better than their morning jogs.
The Special Investigation Committee: A Hopeful Promise?
Enter the "Special Investigation Committee!" It sounds fancy, doesn’t it? Like a secret agent squad but without the tuxedos and the thrilling chases. Instead, it’s composed of independent folks trying to piece together the puzzle while government officials play a game of bureaucratic roulette. The families are anticipating some real transparency, while the nuns and monks pray for closure. Because when you’ve got faith on your side, miracles can happen, right?
They chanted their hopes into the ether: clarity, justice, and a refusal to let such a tragedy happen again. But let’s be real. The past isn’t exactly giving us confidence in this new endeavor, is it? The echoes of the Sewol ferry disaster still linger, reminding us just how deep the reluctance to accept responsibility can run.
Secondary and Tertiary Trauma: Surviving in the Shadows of Loss
While the world moves on, those affected by the Itaewon tragedy remain in a cycle of grief, experiencing not just loss but what’s been termed "secondary victimization." Oh, the delight of social media! Where people can still spew vitriol directed at the families, asserting things like, “Why choose a crowded place?” as if any of this was their fault. Imagine asking a victim of a shark attack, “Why go swimming?”
It’s a real testament to the level of empathy in online discussions nowadays. The families, fueled by both sorrow and a burning need for justice, have resorted to a perhaps unconventional solution: they’ve requested media outlets to disable comments on articles about the tragedy. Because why should they endure further harassment while simply trying to mourn?
The March for Justice
As they marched with banners high—“10.29 Itaewon Massacre: We will remember until the end”—it’s clear that they aren’t just asking for remembrance; they’re crying for accountability. Every step was a painful reminder of the chaos that unfolded, and they’re demanding real action from a government that has thus far provided more excuses than answers.
As Ms. Im, one of the bereaved mothers, poignantly pointed out, “In a crisis situation, if the command tower issues the call, effective operations can prevent accidents!” Imagine that! A working system that actually functions in times of need! Who would’ve thought?
The Pressure is On
And with that, let’s turn our attention to the politicians. There they were, clutching their microphones at memorial events, promising accountability just as late-night talk show hosts promise to keep their jokes clean—lots of hot air but little substance.
Remember, folks, actions speak louder than press releases! The families of the victims aren’t just aiming for flowery statements; they want meaningful changes that will ensure such a tragedy never occurs again.
So, as we sit back and reflect on the quiet rallying cries of those who lost loved ones, let’s hope that this time, rather than obscured truths and muted voices, we see a brave push toward justice and accountability. Because let’s face it, the only thing worse than a tragedy is a society that forgets its lessons. And remembering is the least we can do for those we’ve lost.
In a world full of injustices, let’s keep our ears, eyes, and hearts wide open. Because though the Itaewon massacre may feel like a tale from the shadows, it deserves to shine a light on the need for a society that protects all its members. And who knows, maybe one day, we’ll have a story that starts with laughter and ends with peace instead of echoes of sorrow.
2024/10/29 Yang Qianhao
On October 26, the last Saturday two years prior to the tragic Itaewon massacre in Seoul, South Korea, relatives of the victims gathered, accompanied by various religious and civic organizations, to pay their respects at the memorial site – Exit 1 of the Itaewon Subway Station, located adjacent to the narrow alley beside the Hamilton Hotel. This poignant occasion was marked by their shared grief as they remembered the lost lives on that fateful night. Picture/Courtesy of Yang Qianhao Photography
Today, October 29, 2024, marks the second anniversary of the devastating Itaewon massacre, a tragedy that left the nation mourning 159 lives. In the aftermath, a special law was officially enacted in May following negotiations between the government and opposition. This law led to the establishment of a “Special Investigation Committee” made up of independent members tasked with uncovering the full details of the incident and ensuring accountability for those responsible. As the families continue to mourn, they passionately appeal for public awareness to uphold the memory of their loved ones.
▌The 2nd anniversary of the Itaewon Massacre at the site of tragedy
On October 26, relatives of the victims, along with religious and civic groups, revisited the somber scene of the tragedy – Exit 1 of the Itaewon Subway Station, nestled within the narrow alleys adjacent to the Hamilton Hotel.
Initially, in the aftermath of the tragedy, mourners wrote heartfelt condolences and messages on colorful post-it notes, which they affixed to a wall in the alley. With contributions from local artists, this makeshift memorial evolved into an impactful display, reflecting the somber mood and memory of the lost lives.
Lee Jung-min, chair of the Itaewon Massacre Victims’ Families Association, solemnly placed white flowers at the center of the alley. He knelt down to pray, a picture of grief as he remembered his beloved daughter lost to the tragic events.
At the memorial, clergy from South Korea’s four major religions—Buddhism, Catholicism, Protestant Christianity, and the Won Buddhist faith—came together in a rare show of unity, leading a series of memorial prayers at the site.
“Please Heavenly Father, wipe the tears from the eyes of victims and their families; grant them healing from their wounds. The implementation of the “Special Law” must fully protect the rights of the Itaewon massacre victims, help clarify the truth, and prevent similar incidents in the future,” offered a heartfelt prayer from the Catholic nuns present.
The Buddhist monks expressed their concerns: “Many citizens feel disappointed and anxious upon reflecting on the recent court rulings. The court’s baffling decisions raise fears about the integrity of the special investigative committee and future verdicts. Particularly, the Yoon Seok-youl administration must avoid making excuses or obstructing the special investigation committee’s efforts to reveal the truth.”
▌The anguished cries of families: The quest for the truth remains unresolved
In the weeks leading up to the anniversary, the courts have handed down initial verdicts against individuals accused of providing misleading responses during the critical moments surrounding the disaster. Former police officials Song Byeong-joo and Lee Im-jae both received sentences of 2 to 3 years for professional negligence leading to death, while Yongsan District Director Park Hee-young and Seoul Police Chief Kim Kwang-ho were acquitted.
These sentences have been viewed as disproportionately lenient when compared to the prosecution’s initial recommendation of 5 to 7 years imprisonment, leaving the victims’ families feeling disheartened, mourning a loss further compounded by the justice system’s shortcomings. Park Young-su, a grieving family member, voiced her despair:
“It has been two years since we lost our loved ones, yet the truth of that night remains elusive, and accountability is non-existent… We continue to seek answers, taking to the streets to raise our voices… But it feels as though the government and legal system have turned a blind eye. What could be more important than the lives of 159 people?”
“It has been two years since we lost our dear family. Yet, to this day, no one has clarified the truth about that day, and no one has been held accountable..” said Park Young-shui, holding a sign that encapsulated her pain. Picture/Courtesy of Yang Qianhao Photography
Ms. Park recounted the plight of her 29-year-old son, Lee Nam-hun, who unwittingly found himself trapped in the horrifying crowd surge while enjoying an evening with his girlfriend at Exit 1 of the Itaewon Subway Station. His girlfriend lost consciousness first, and despite desperate attempts at resuscitation, tragically, it was too late.
Ms. Park rushed to the site and later to the hospital, filled with hope when notified her son had been revived. However, her hopes turned to heartbreak when she was met with the cold reality of his lifeless body.
She subsequently shared with other victims’ families that many witnesses reported seeing their loved ones alive in the immediate aftermath, only to later discover their photos on memorial altars. This shared grief ignited a fervent urgency within them to seek clarity on why their children did not survive.
Determined to advocate for safety reforms and government accountability, Ms. Park closed her long-running quilt factory and joined forces with other victim families, marching in protest. “Unless we uncover the complete truth, punish those responsible, and implement preventive measures, the tragedies of October 29, 2022, will linger on,” she lamented.
The commemorative ceremony concluded, and families of victims began a solemn march from the site of the Itaewon tragedy. Leading the procession were community members carrying a purple banner emblazoned with, “10.29 Itaewon Massacre – We will remember until the end,” as they passed significant sites including the Yongsan Presidential Palace and the Special Investigation Commission Building, culminating at Seoul Plaza.
A purple square banner with the words “10.29 Itaewon Massacre—We will remember it until the end.” Picture/Courtesy of Yang Qianhao Photography
As they passed the Yongsan Presidential Palace, another grieving mother, Im Hyun-joo, raised her voice through a loudspeaker, denouncing the failed leadership during the crisis: “We all know that in moments of emergency, effective leadership is crucial to prevent disasters! Our leaders failed us, and their negligence has turned our beloved Korea into a ‘Tragedy Republic!’”
Reflecting on the chaotic night, Ms. Im recounted how her son, Jin Yizhen, celebrated Halloween with friends in Itaewon—a routine activity for him and his peers. Fifty-eight minutes shy of the disaster, they shared a final bill, which became the last trace of his presence.
Unbeknownst to her, tragedy had struck just hours earlier. Learning about the incident during a routine church service the next day, she nervously inquired in her family chat group, unaware that her son was among the deceased.
Heartbreakingly, the frantic search led to the realization that her son had been caught in the deadly crowd surge after dinner, separated from friends when chaos erupted.
“The fault does not lie with the overwhelmed individuals responding amidst the disaster; we must question why our nation allowed this preventable tragedy,” Ms. Im asserted. She emphasized the failure of authorities to effectively manage crowds while prioritizing political protests over the safety of citizens.
As the family members continued their journey towards Seoul City Hall Square, approximately a thousand gathered to support them. Ms. Huang Jinghua, a 52-year-old Seoul citizen, shared her shock at the tragedy that could have claimed her own daughter’s life.
“Itaewon was a place we frequented for leisure, but now it carries the weight of tragedy. The victims were just like us, and we all need to unite our voices to demand justice and preventative measures from our government,” noted Jin Minzhi, a 23-year-old college student.
Under the veil of night, both families of the Itaewon victims and the Sewol ferry disaster gathered for a memorial event, alongside politicians from across the spectrum. They expressed solidarity while pledging to work towards accountability for future tragedies.
In a bittersweet moment, Choo Kyung-ho, representative of the ruling party, acknowledged the responsibilities of political leaders: “As a father, it is painful to know that we couldn’t protect our children. We vow to ensure such a tragedy does not happen again and commit to supporting the efforts of the Itaewon massacre investigation committee fully.”
His address, however, was met with disdain from some attendees, as his administration’s record during the massacre faced criticism for opposing essential inquiries into the incident.
Park Chan-dae, from the Democratic Party, raised questions about the lack of appropriate responses when early warnings about crowd safety were reported: “Had the government acted promptly, we could have spared so many lives. It is pure negligence by those in power; responsibility is paramount.”
Two years following the Itaewon tragedy, mourners gathered in the very alley where it occurred, united in solidarity against a backdrop of demand for justice and accountability. Picture/Courtesy of Yang Qianhao Photography
▌Exclusive interview with lawyer Lee Chang-min / Itaewon Massacre Truth Clarification and Legal Support Working Group
In an insightful interview, attorney Lee Chang-min, who serves with the Itaewon Massacre Truth Clarification and Legal Support Working Group, discussed the impact of recent court rulings on the families’ quest for justice. He articulated concerns about the glaring disparity between the roles of power and accountability reflected in the leniency of the sentences issued to certain officials implicated in the tragedy.
“Prior to the tragedy, two pivotal video conferences were held—key individuals from the Yongsan Police were in attendance. The police recognized that Itaewon, along with other bustling districts, would draw large crowds on Halloween. Despite instructions laid out by the Seoul Police Chief to establish safety measures, critical communication failures hindered effective action,” noted Lee Chang-min.
He elaborated that while a call for a “drug war” focused resources elsewhere, the proper allocation for maintaining order contributed to the tragedy.
Despite acquittals in the wake of these events, the legal team remains determined to appeal the lenient sentences, advocating for a thorough examination of all evidence related to the tragedy.
Reflection on previous disasters, specifically the Sewol ferry disaster, raises concern about the efficacy of the current special investigation committee. Lee Chang-min conveyed that public vigilance is key to ensuring accountability, especially if historical challenges are to be avoided.
“The success of our investigation is dependent on public engagement. Continuous monitoring and advocacy can safeguard the integrity of the special investigation committee,” he stated firmly.
“The public must keep a watchful eye, ensuring that the investigation remains untarnished and that those involved cannot evade accountability. It’s essential for all of us to continue demanding answers,” he concluded. Picture/Courtesy of Yang Qianhao Photography
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