Itaewon tragedy remembered / KBS 2025.10.29.　#KBSNews

Three years ago today (10.29), 159 people lost their lives in the heart of Seoul.

And at 10:29 this morning, memorial sirens rang across the city.

For the first time, the government and the victims’ families jointly held a memorial ceremony, vowing to remember the lessons of the tragedy and build a safer society.

Reporter Kim Bo-dam has the story.

[Report]

A constellation of stars lit up Gwanghwamun Square to honor the victims of the Itaewon disaster.

At exactly 10:29 a.m.—the time when emergency calls flooded in three years ago but no sirens sounded—the memorial sirens finally echoed through Seoul.

[Lee Jung-min/Father of the late Lee Ju-young: “I couldn’t sleep last night. The memories of that day came flooding back—it was painful and heavy on my heart.”]

This year’s remembrance ceremony was jointly organized by the victims’ association and the government—

the first time the two have come together in three years.

[Song Hae-jin/Itaewon Disaster Victims’ Association Executive Director: “This is a beginning. Today’s promise must be proven through tomorrow’s actions.”]

President Lee Jae Myung also delivered a video message, pledging to create a nation where everyone can live safely.

Just six days before the anniversary, on Oct. 23, the government announced findings from a joint audit, stating that the relocation of the presidential office had weakened police response capabilities at the time of the disaster.

Still, challenges remain.

Only nine public officials have faced disciplinary action, and victims’ families say no one truly responsible has been held accountable.

[Song Hae-jin/Itaewon Disaster Victims’ Association Executive Director: “We hope this government will be different—please uncover the full truth and make this tragedy a turning point toward a safer tomorrow.”]

The special investigation committee on the Itaewon disaster will continue its work until June next year.

This is Kim Bo-dam, KBS News.

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