[Itaewon Tragedy] Sogongyeon "2022 Small Business Owners Conference Postponed... Considering National Mourning"

Citizens visiting the joint memorial altar for the victims of the Itaewon disaster, set up at Seoul Plaza in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 31st, are offering flowers. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] The Korea Federation of Micro Enterprises has decided to postpone the Small Business Conference in consideration of the national mourning caused by the Itaewon tragedy.

On the 31st, the Federation announced, "We have decided to postpone the '2022 Korea Small Business Conference and Skills Competition'." Hosted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and organized by the Federation and the Small Enterprise and Market Service, the Small Business Conference has been held annually on November 5, the official Small Business Day.

This year as well, the event was scheduled to be held over two days, from December 4 to 5, to promote the social and economic status of small business owners and strengthen relationships with local residents. However, considering the grief of the bereaved families and the public caused by the Itaewon tragedy on the 29th, the event has been postponed to after the national mourning period, which ends on December 5.

Oh Se-hee, president of the Federation, said, "It was not an easy decision, considering the officials who have been dedicated to preparing the event and the participants who have been honing their skills for the skills competition," but added, "We ask for understanding as this is an unavoidable situation made out of consideration for the bereaved families in deep sorrow."

He added, "We will actively participate in activities to help heal those suffering from the tragedy and take the lead in raising social awareness about safety accidents."

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