South Korea's Yoon Apologizes for Halloween Crush, Vows Justice
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol apologized on Monday for the deadly Halloween crush in Seoul, pledging to hold to account any officials found to be responsible for sloppy responses and to reform police and safety management systems.
The October 29 crush killed 156 people, mostly in their 20s and 30s, and injured another 197 when revelers flooded the narrow alleyways of the popular nightlife district of Itaewon to celebrate the first COVID curbs-free Halloween festivities in three years.
Yoon offered the apology during a meeting to review safety rules as the country continues to mourn the crush victims. An investigation is under way into authorities' responses to the accident.
"I do not dare to compare myself to the parents who lost their sons and daughters, but as the president who ought to protect the people's lives and safety, I am heartbroken," he said. "I am sorry and apologetic to the bereaved families who are suffering an unspeakable tragedy, and to the people who share the pain and sorrow."
