South Korea’s parliament has approved legislation for a new, independent investigation into the tragic 2022 Halloween crush in Seoul that claimed the lives of 159 people. The National Assembly passed the bill with a unanimous vote of 256-0, paving the way for President Yoon Suk Yeol to sign it into law.
The investigation aims to uncover the root causes of the disaster, examine how authorities responded to the incident, and determine accountability for the tragic event. A nine-member fact-finding committee will be established to conduct an independent examination of the incident over a period of 15 months.
The Halloween crush, which occurred in Seoul’s popular nightlife district of Itaewon, sparked national mourning and raised concerns about safety and regulatory oversight. The tragedy highlighted failures in crowd control measures and emergency response, echoing similar issues seen in the aftermath of the 2014 Sewol ferry disaster.
While some officials have faced trial over the Halloween crush, there has been a call for a more thorough and impartial investigation to hold all responsible parties accountable. President Yoon, who initially opposed a new investigation, has shifted his stance in response to public pressure and political developments.
The passage of this legislation marks a significant step towards seeking justice for the victims and their families, as well as addressing systemic issues to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The investigation is expected to shed light on the failures that led to the Halloween crush and ensure that those responsible are held to account.