Top Stories 24/10/28 Korean Church remembers Halloween stampede victims

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Korean Church remembers Halloween stampede victims

Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick of Seoul says the Church reaffirms its commitment to support the affected families

A woman looks at the pictures of the 2022 Halloween stampede victims in South Korean capital Seoul in this file image. (Photo: Anthony Wallace/AFP/Getty Images)

By UCA News reporter

Published: October 29, 2024 10:03 AM GMT

Updated: October 29, 2024 10:19 AM GMT

A top South Korean Catholic leader has paid tributes to victims of the Seoul Halloween stampede on the second anniversary of the tragedy that claimed 159 lives and left scores injured.

Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick of Seoul issued a statement on Oct. 28, a day before the anniversary, saying the Church reaffirms its commitment to support the affected families and to ensure such tragedy never occurs again.

“As we mark the solemn second anniversary of the Itaewon tragedy, we extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to honor the memory of those who were so tragically taken from us,” Chung said in the statement.

“Our thoughts remain with the bereaved families and all individuals grappling with the lasting impact of this profound event. In this time of reflection, we earnestly beseech the Lord to offer solace and healing to all who have been wounded,” he said.

Chung termed the tragedy at Seoul’s Itaewon street on Oct. 29, 2022, as a “harrowing incident” that inflicted “indelible shock and sorrow” with the loss of invaluable lives.

“The memory of each victim, whose life was of unique significance, is one we are committed to preserving perpetually,” Chung noted.

He reminded that this tragedy underscores the paramount importance of fostering a community where the safety and dignity of every member are safeguarded.

“It is our hope that our society remains vigilant in fulfilling its obligations to prevent a recurrence of such calamities. Let us cultivate a compassionate and caring community characterized by solidarity and empathy,” he added.

Chung said that the Church remains resolute in its commitment to stand with the bereaved families, offering unwavering support.

“Together with our parish community, we pledge to listen attentively to the voices of those affected, to accompany them through their journey of grief, and to keep the victims in our prayers,” he said.

“As responsible members of society, we fervently wish for a future unmarred by such tragedies, and we resolve to keep the memory of the Itaewon tragedy alive in our collective consciousness,” he added.

The tragedy occurred in Itaewon of Seoul, when around 100,000 people -- mostly in their teens and 20s, wearing Halloween costumes -- had poured into its narrow, winding streets for partying, causing the deadly stampede.

The street is famous for its nightlife and restaurants, and favorite hangout place for Korean youngsters and foreigners.

The tragedy was blamed on lax crowd control measures despite the large gathering of visitors for partying, shortly after the nation lifted its Covid-19 pandemic restrictions and allowed public gatherings without face masks.

South Korean government declared a week-long mourning after the tragedy and canceled all entertainment events and concerts for weeks.

The tragedy sparked a public outcry in a country known for its crowd management.

Korean Catholic Church officials condoled the families of the victims and strongly criticized the authorities for the failure to prevent the tragedy, saying it was a result of “the cycle of injustice and irresponsibility” common in the society.

Korean bishops called for an independent inquiry into the accident and justice for the victims.

The Church also offered prayers for the dead and survivors and reached out to affected families with material and emotional support.

Pope Francis told people at a gathering in St. Peter’s Square to pray for the victims and their families a day after the incident.