President apologizes for Itaewon crowd crush, vows to improve safety regulations

President Yoon Suk-yeol speaks in a meeting held on Monday at the Yongsan presidential office. [PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE]

President Yoon Suk-yeol apologized to the country for the Halloween crowd crush in Itaewon, central Seoul, that took the lives of over 150 people on Oct. 29.

“I am apologetic and sorry to the surviving families who are facing indescribable tragedy and to the people that are sharing the pain and sadness together,” said Yoon on Monday during a meeting held to review the country’s safety systems.

“I cannot compare how I feel to those who have lost their sons and daughters but my heart is heavy and I grieve as the president who should protect the lives and safety of the people. I once again send deep condolences to the victims and their families.”

During the meeting, Yoon emphasized that the government should take responsibility for the aftermath of the tragedy and will try its best to make a safe country that will not encounter such a tragedy again.

“The government will revisit the policies related to safety regulations of disasters and make major improvements in structural problems,” Yoon added.

He also stressed that “getting prepared beforehand and minimizing damage are the basics of disaster response and that identifying danger factors is crucial.”

Referring to the recent Itaewon tragedy, Yoon said the most typical dangerous situation the public faces is crowds.

“Places with large crowds, such as subways, shopping malls, sports stadiums, concerts and roads, should have different safety risk systems depending on the venue,” Yoon said.

“Being equipped with the most advanced system and perfect manual is not helpful if we cannot properly acknowledge the risk situation and deliver and share information on the situation quickly.”

Regarding the overall poor responses to the Itaewon tragedy, Yoon said a mass review of policies should take place.

He also mentioned that major innovation of the police is needed in relation to how they respond to risks and prevent accidents.

“I will make sure the truth is thoroughly determined regarding the tragedy and share all the process transparently with the public,” said Yoon.

The Itaewon tragedy claimed 156 lives on the night of Oct. 29, including 26 foreigners, according to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, as of Sunday.

BY JEONG HYE-JEONG [cho.jungwoo1@joongang.co.kr]