[Itaewon Tragedy] "All-Out Effort to Manage the Accident..." Rare Unanimous Voice from Both Ruling and Opposition Parties

Political circles express "deep condolences and sympathy" over Itaewon tragedy
Government declares "national mourning period" until accident is resolved

People Power Party Emergency Response Committee Chairman Jeong Jin-seok and committee members are watching President Yoon Seok-yeol's emergency national address broadcast related to the 'Itaewon crowd crush disaster' during an urgent emergency response committee meeting on the Itaewon incident held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 30th. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Regarding the Itaewon crowd crush accident, the political circles on the 30th urged to make every effort to manage the aftermath and prepare countermeasures.

Jung Jin-seok, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, wrote on his Facebook on the day, "The news of the Itaewon tragedy delivered in the early hours of the holiday shocked all the people. I too woke up at dawn and was horrified by the increasing number of casualties," adding, "I offer my deepest condolences to those who lost their beloved family members."

He continued, "Measures to reduce fatal accidents at construction sites and workplaces have recently been legislated and are being implemented, but there are criticisms that such legislation has not drastically reduced accidents," and added, "We must simultaneously work to wash away the deeply rooted 'ppalli-ppalli' (hurry-hurry) culture and 'safety indifference' in our accidents and practices."

Assemblyman Kim Ki-hyun emphasized on Facebook, "Rescue and treatment are the top priorities," and said, "We must save even one precious life." He added, "I ask the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the National Fire Agency, Seoul City, and all related government agencies and medical institutions to protect precious lives through swift rescue and treatment."

Assemblyman Kwon Seong-dong wrote, "My heart is broken. It is difficult to say anything in the face of this unprecedented accident," and added, "There can be no disagreement on the life and safety of the people. At this moment, everyone must unite as one."

The People Power Party canceled the high-level party-government council meeting scheduled for the morning. An emergency meeting of the Emergency Response Committee was held under the chairmanship of Jung Jin-seok, demanding a prompt response from the government authorities.

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, wrote on Facebook, "I cannot believe it. It is shocking and devastating," and said, "I do not know what words of comfort to offer to those who suddenly lost family and friends." He continued, "First, we must make every effort to manage the aftermath of the accident. We must focus on the swift identification of victims, support for bereaved families, and healing and recovery of the injured. The Democratic Party will join forces. The central party and local committees should minimize political schedules and actively cooperate to ensure that support for victims is carried out without gaps."

Park Hong-geun, floor leader of the Democratic Party, stated on Facebook, "How could such a thing happen, an unimaginable tragedy," and said, "It is so sorrowful and devastating." He added, "The government authorities should do their utmost to ensure that all resources are mobilized and focused on managing the aftermath," and "The Democratic Party will also provide maximum support, cooperate, and responsibly fulfill its role."

Jeong Cheong-rae, Supreme Council member, wrote, "A friend called me asking what to do because someone is missing. I cannot believe such an incident happened." He added, "The biggest tragedy since the Sewol ferry disaster," and said, "I pray for the deceased. The Democratic Party will do its best."

The government expressed condolences for the Itaewon tragedy and declared a 'National Mourning Period.' President Yoon Suk-yeol delivered a national address at the Yongsan Presidential Office building on the day, stating, "The government will designate today as the National Mourning Period until the accident aftermath is settled, and will prioritize the management and follow-up measures of this accident as the top priority of state affairs."

President Yoon said, "A tragedy and disaster that should never have happened occurred in the heart of Seoul during Halloween last night," and added, "I pray for the souls of those who died in this unfortunate accident and wish a speedy recovery for the injured." He also added, "I offer my deepest condolences to the bereaved families who lost precious lives and are grieving."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.