[Itaewon Disaster] Religious Community "Deep Condolences to Victims and Bereaved Families"

Temporary Postponement of Events Including Korea Parade

On the 30th, bouquets commemorating the victims were placed in front of the alley at the site of the 'Halloween crowd' crush accident in Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] Religious communities collectively expressed their condolences on the 29th for the Halloween Day tragedy in Itaewon, Seoul.

The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism (Chief Abbot Jinwoo) stated in a press release on the 30th, "We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and their families of the Itaewon Halloween Day tragedy on the 29th," adding, "We pray for the peaceful afterlife of the young souls who lost their lives in this unexpected accident and wish for the speedy recovery and safe return of the injured."

The Jogye Order said, "There is no value more precious than life, whether in heaven or on earth," urging, "The relevant authorities must thoroughly investigate the causes and processes of this disaster to prevent further sacrifices of the youth, who are the future leaders." They also stated, "Our order will join all efforts to share the pain of the victims' families."

The Korea Christian Federation (HanKyocheong), the largest Protestant coalition, also issued a statement on the same day, expressing "deep condolences from the heart to those who lost their lives and their bereaved families in the unexpected accident in Itaewon," and added, "We pray for the injured to recover as soon as possible."

HanKyocheong decided to temporarily postpone the 'Korea Parade' event scheduled for November 5th at Gwanghwamun and City Hall Square in Seoul. The federation said, "We express deep condolences together with the public and hope that smooth resolution of this accident and measures to prevent recurrence of safety accidents will be established."

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea also released a condolence message signed by Secretary General Father Lee Cheolsu. The conference stated, "We entrust the victims who tragically lost their lives to God's mercy," and "We offer our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery and peace of the injured."

They continued, "For the peace and safety of the people, the relevant authorities must thoroughly investigate the causes and processes of this tragedy and ensure that irresponsibility and forgetfulness are not repeated," adding, "We hope efforts will be made to prevent further sacrifices, especially of young people."

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