Culture minister sends condolences over Indonesian football stadium tragedy

Culture Minister Park Bo-gyoon speaks during a meeting at the ministry buildling in Yongsan District, central Seoul, on September 20. [NEWS1]

Culture Minister Park Bo-gyoon sent a condolence letter to the Indonesian sports minister on Monday over the deadly football stadium stampede in Indonesia that has claimed 125 lives, officials said.

A total of 125 people have died in the crush at a football match in Malang, East Java, on Saturday after police used tear gas to disperse angry fans of the losing home team.

"As a long-standing sports ally of Indonesia, Korea shares the national pain of the Indonesian government, people and the football association," Park said in the letter sent to Indonesia's Youth and Sports Minister Zainudin Amali.

"We pray for the souls of the victims and extend deep condolences and consolation to the bereaved families," the Korean minister said, voicing a wish for the quick recovery of those who were wounded.

Yonhap