Mourning for Itaewon Halloween tragedy

ABSTRACT On the eve of Halloween on 29 October 2022, a crowd was killed in a narrow alley of the South Korean capital. Known for its diversity and ethnic communities, Itaewon is a melting pot of cultures and the mediating place to enjoy a new culture, and aptly so, for the celebration of Halloween. The common response to the tragedy was that of mystery and disbelief. However, the real mystery is why none of the local district offices, police, and business associations, who have governed and managed festivals in the area, had prepared safety measures nor anticipated a tragedy of this nature. After the incident, a series of demonstrations have been held by bereaved families and civil societies to demand a thorough investigation, legal punishment of those responsible, and protective advancements. Although relevant authorities have expressed regret publicly, there was neither an official apology nor sincere condolences to the victims and their families. In the case of the Halloween tragedy in Itaewon, the mourning is politicized and delayed as debates on whether public mourning is deserving have started.