The Ministry of the Interior and Safety has officially recognized the late Mr. Baek (37), a local merchant who passed away after suffering from trauma following his participation in rescue efforts during the October 29 Itaewon tragedy, as a victim of the disaster.

With this decision, the death toll from the Itaewon tragedy has increased from 159 to 160.

The bereaved family of the deceased will now receive support in accordance with the Framework Act on the Management of Disasters and Safety and the Special Act on the Investigation of the Itaewon Tragedy.

The deceased, who operated a pub near the Hamilton Hotel in Itaewon, participated in emergency rescue activities, including moving injured individuals, at the time of the tragedy.

He subsequently suffered from mental and physical distress and was found dead this past April.

The father of the deceased also donated funds to the Itaewon Tragedy Bereaved Families Association last month.

An official from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety stated, "We will continue to do our utmost to ensure that necessary support is provided without setbacks in accordance with relevant laws, while protecting the honor and privacy of the victims and their bereaved families."

※ If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or other difficult concerns, you can receive 24-hour professional counseling by calling the suicide prevention hotline at 109 or through the suicide prevention social media counseling service 'Madeulan'.

(Photo: Yonhap News)