Memorials Ahead of 4th Anniversary of Itaewon Tragedy... Bereaved Families Urge Thorough Investigation

〈앵커〉

Ahead of the fourth anniversary of the Itaewon crowd crush, memorial events were held across Seoul over the weekend. Bereaved families once again urged a thorough investigation, stating that "nothing has been properly uncovered even four years later."

Reporter Cho Min-ki has the story.

〈기자〉

At a memorial space set up on a wall along the "October 29 Path of Remembrance and Safety" in front of Exit 1 of Itaewon Station, where the Itaewon tragedy occurred.

Tears welled up in the eyes of bereaved families as they laid flowers in turn.

Ordinary citizens visiting the memorial space also honored the victims and left messages of remembrance, saying they would "always remember."

[Kim Min-ho / Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul: I wrote 'with a heart of walking together.' I wanted to come here with a heart of sharing in the remembrance.]

Today (the 24th), five days ahead of the fourth anniversary of the Itaewon tragedy, memorial events were held to comfort the souls of the victims.

Beginning with a prayer meeting by four religious organizations, bereaved families and citizens marched in remembrance from Itaewon Station to Seoul Plaza, where the temporary joint memorial altar had been located. Following the march, a public memorial ceremony co-hosted by the government and the Seoul Metropolitan Government was held.

Following last year, around 30 foreign bereaved families also attended at the invitation of the government.

Four years have passed since the disaster, but bereaved families say their hearts still ache whenever this time of year comes around.

[Park Young-soo / Mother of the late Lee Nam-hoon: I took the subway, but I couldn't bring myself to get off at Itaewon Station, so I got off at Noksapyeong Station and walked over. Whenever October comes around, everything I see in the world is painful.]

They also strongly appealed for a thorough investigation and the punishment of those responsible, pointing out that little progress has been made.

[Yoo Hyung-woo / Father of the late Yoo Yeon-ju: Even now, four years later, nothing has been openly brought to light, and there has been no such thing as someone being dismissed or punished regarding this matter.]

Thinking of the victims whom they miss but cannot meet, and long for even more at this time of year, the bereaved families try to gather strength.

[Park Young-soo / Mother of the late Lee Nam-hoon: Since Mom is trying hard right now, please give Mom some strength from beside me. I miss you and I love you, my son.]

(Video Journalist: In Pil-sung, Yang Hyun-chul | Video Editing: Ahn Yeo-jin)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.