South Korea’s president apologized on Monday for the Halloween crowd surge that led to 156 deaths, pledging to hold to account officials who failed to respond to the incident and make police reform.
President Yoon Suk-yeol called for “an overall institutional review” of police services related to risk management and accident prevention, as well as a thorough investigation into the Oct. 29 tragedy that happened in Seoul’s district of Itaewon.
“It does not compare to the feelings of the parents who lost their sons and daughters, but as a president who has to protect the lives and safety of the people, my heart is heavy and heartbreaking,” Yoon said at the National Safety System Inspection Meeting.“I am sorry and apologetic to the bereaved families who are facing a tragedy that cannot be expressed in words and to the people who share the pain and sorrow,” the president added.
