Victims of Itaewon crush may receive posthumous diplomas

Social Affairs

Published: 09 Nov. 2022, 18:37

Victims of Itaewon crush may receive posthumous diplomas

Members of the National University Student Council Networks pay silent tribute at a press conference held to commemorate the death of the victims of the Itaewon tragedy near the Yonsan presidential office on Nov. 4. [YONHAP]

Posthumous graduation certificates may be given to undergraduate victims who lost their lives in the deadly crowd crush in Itaewon, central Seoul, on Oct. 29.

The Ministry of Education held a meeting at the Government Complex in Sejong on Wednesday with related organizations and individuals, including the Korean Council for University Education and presidents of universities, to discuss support measures for students injured in the Itaewon crowd crush and strengthening safety measures to prevent future tragedies.

According to the ministry, universities will also look into ways to excuse the absence of and accept applications for leave of absence for those who were injured in the tragedy.

Another measure in consideration is awarding posthumous degrees to the victims who were enrolled at universities when the crowd crush took place.

Universities and their student councils will also monitor their online community forums to prevent secondary victimization.

The ministry added that it will cooperate with schools to ensure families of the victims and those who are injured receive full support.

BY CHO JUNG-WOO [cho.jungwoo1@joongang.co.kr]