Jindo-gun Holds 'Ssitkimgut' Memorial Ritual for Itaewon Tragedy Victims

Cancellation of Gunmin Day Performance... Joint Memorial Altar Operated Near Hyangto Culture Center

[Jindo=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Namjoong] Four events, including the Youth Song Festival, Jindo County Residents Singing Contest, Jeonnam Trot Southbound Train, and Jindo County Residents Celebration Night, were completely canceled to mourn the victims of the Itaewon disaster.

Jindo County stated, “Ahead of the County Residents' Day on November 1, the celebratory performance featuring singer Song Ga-in, who is from Jindo, has been canceled,” and added, “Instead, a Ssikimgut ritual to mourn the victims of the Itaewon disaster and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured will be held at 6 p.m. on the 31st at the Hyangto Culture Hall plaza.”

Additionally, the county will operate a joint incense-burning altar near the event venues such as the Hyangto Culture Hall to pray for the repose of the victims’ souls.

After the Itaewon disaster occurred, the county held an emergency executive meeting chaired by County Governor Kim Hee-soo yesterday and canceled the scheduled celebratory performances.

The Jindo Ssikimgut has previously been held to console the souls of the late President Roh Moo-hyun and the victims of the Sewol ferry disaster and to pray for their peaceful afterlife.

County Governor Kim Hee-soo expressed, “I extend my deepest condolences to the deceased who lost their lives in this disaster, the families who are suffering and grieving, and the injured,” and said, “We will hold the event with the hearts of Jindo residents through the Jindo Ssikimgut, which is designated as a national important intangible cultural asset, to mourn the victims and wish for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

He continued, “Please thoroughly inspect and ensure the reinforcement and deployment of safety personnel and conduct prior safety checks to prevent any safety accidents at upcoming festivals and events.”

Meanwhile, the government has designated the period until the 5th of next month as a national mourning period until the Itaewon disaster is resolved.

Jindo=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Namjoong gabrielw@asiae.co.kr

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