US WP criticizes, "Itaewon disaster, did we learn nothing from the Sampoong disaster 27 years ago?"

Near Itaewon Station, messages and items left by mourners are placed at the memorial space for the victims of the Itaewon tragedy. Photo by Hyunmin Kim, Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Minji Lee] The Washington Post (WP), a leading American daily, pointed out that despite experiencing the Sampoong Department Store collapse 27 years ago, South Korea failed to prevent a similar disaster related to the 'Itaewon tragedy.'

On the 4th (local time), WP reported in an article titled "Itaewon Halloween Tragedy Summons the Ghost of the 1995 Sampoong Collapse," stating, "Some question whether South Korea has learned nothing in the 30 years since the Sampoong disaster."

Regarding the 1995 collapse of the Sampoong Department Store, which claimed 502 lives, WP explained the significance by saying, "In the desire for modernization, builders and officials did not properly adhere to safety measures," and "It revealed what South Korea tolerated during its period of rapid economic growth."

WP also pointed out that until just before the accident, signs of collapse were abundant at the Sampoong Department Store, yet neither the store management nor the relevant authorities took any action.

Against this backdrop, WP analyzed that the Itaewon tragedy, which resulted in over 150 deaths, was no different. The Yongsan Police Station, responsible for the area, anticipated that 100,000 people could visit the Itaewon Tourism Special Zone during the Halloween weekend but deployed only 137 police officers to manage the site. Despite a flood of emergency calls warning of danger at the scene, no significant response was made.

Professor Alexis Durden of the University of Connecticut mentioned that more than 20 nationalities of foreigners were victims in this tragedy, saying, "There is something 'cool' about South Korea that attracts people from all over the world," but added, "However, it seems they lack the corresponding sense of responsibility. It's simply tragic."

WP also criticized that the irresponsible responses from those in positions of accountability have not changed from the past. Professor Durden stated, "In both disasters, a pattern of 'irresponsibility' emerges, with those responsible claiming 'there was nothing they could do.' Meanwhile, lives were lost."

Finally, WP added, "With the Itaewon tragedy, South Korea once again had to face a familiar ghost."

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