KMA Requests Restraint on Excessive Reporting and SNS Video Posting of Itaewon Accident

Lee Pil-su, President of the Korean Medical Association, is providing medical treatment at the on-site clinic set up at the joint memorial altar for the Itaewon accident at Seoul Plaza on the 1st.
[Photo by Korean Medical Association]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] The Korean Medical Association (KMA) issued a recommendation on the 1st, expressing concern over the indiscriminate posting of some provocative videos related to the Itaewon tragedy on social networking services (SNS), warning of potential secondary damage and urging preventive measures.

In the recommendation, the KMA stated, "Many citizens, including victims, the injured, their families, witnesses, and acquaintances, are experiencing severe psychological trauma symptoms such as depression, guilt, and sleep disorders due to the recent Itaewon incident," adding, "In this situation, exposure to video footage and on-site photos that evoke the accident scene can trigger and prolong mental trauma."

The KMA urged the media and SNS operators to refrain from excessive contact or coverage to prevent secondary damage caused by additional trauma, emphasizing that interviews and medical consultations involve sensitive personal information that must be strictly protected.

They also called for avoiding reports that incite negative emotions such as blame and hatred, which lead to prejudice against the deceased and survivors. Furthermore, the public should refrain from expressing blame and hatred toward survivors and bereaved families and stop consuming and sharing sensational news.

Along with this, the KMA recommended providing accurate mental health information and guidance to institutions where help can be obtained, and cooperating to ensure appropriate measures are taken.

The KMA stated, "Currently, during the national mourning period, the entire nation is striving for recovery and resolution amid great sorrow and shock," and added, "Please keep in mind that broadcasting and posting behaviors that go against these efforts are nationally harmful and critically detrimental to public health, and we ask for your efforts to help citizens return to their daily lives healthily."

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