[Inside Chodong]Itaewon Tragedy: Seeking Ways for 'True Memorial'

For the past month, an unchanging scene has been present in front of Seoul City Hall. It is the memorial altar set up by the bereaved families of the Itaewon tragedy and the police officers surrounding it. Although nearly half a year has passed since the disaster, the grief and anger of those left behind still seem as cold as the recent cold snap weather.

Police forces are deployed around the Itaewon disaster memorial altar set up at Seoul Plaza in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

However, there has been a small change in this atmosphere recently. The beginning of this change was initiated by a proposal from the Seoul Metropolitan Government. On the 7th, Seoul City proposed to the bereaved families of the Itaewon tragedy to jointly operate a "true memorial altar" containing the spirit tablets and portraits of all 159 victims for five days from the 1st to the 5th of next month. After the joint memorial period, the city promised to establish a temporary memorial and communication space around Seoul City Hall where the families could easily communicate with the government and Seoul City. They also announced that discussions on establishing a permanent memorial space would begin. This is a more advanced plan compared to the previously proposed memorial space on the 4th basement floor of Noksapyeong Station.

Of course, the bereaved families rejected Seoul City's proposal on the same day. However, Seoul City's proposal is clearly a progressive step toward resolving the issue. Although the families rejected the proposal, they acknowledged this aspect. In a statement, the families said, "It can be considered a progressive plan." They also added, "If a solution that the families can fully accept is created, we will keep all possibilities open and begin discussions on temporary memorial spaces, etc. The channel for dialogue with the government and Seoul City is already open and we hope it remains open going forward." While they had previously stated they would not engage in talks with Seoul City on the condition of dismantling or relocating the memorial altar, Seoul City's proposal to install a memorial altar with the spirit tablets and portraits requested by the families has at least slightly opened the possibility for dialogue.

Some criticize Seoul City's recent proposal, arguing that it breaks the "principle of plaza use" that Seoul City had emphasized so far. However, considering that this is an action to seek a solution by proposing a progressive plan to the bereaved families, it cannot be simply criticized. What the families need most right now is attention and empathy. The families who gathered at the Yongsan-gu Wonhyo-ro Multipurpose Gymnasium, where the victims' bodies were temporarily placed on the day of the tragedy, were more disheartened by the cold neglect of being unattended than by the cold air of the early morning.

The positive aspect of Seoul City's action is that they have taken responsibility for this sensitive issue. In our society, social disasters have often been used as tools for political strife. Before the pain and sorrow of social disasters could even subside, citizens divided according to their supported positions, only deepening conflicts. Amid this, it was indeed difficult for the bereaved families to mourn freely.

If the current standoff prolongs, social wounds will not heal, and conflicts will only worsen. Someone must make concessions even if they face criticism. It is a much more positive approach for Seoul City to take the initiative rather than the bereaved families who are grieving the loss of their loved ones. This is why Seoul City's actions should not be merely criticized but rather supported.

Finally, we hope the bereaved families will give more thoughtful consideration to Seoul City's proposal for a "true memorial altar" where everyone can pay their respects. Although a social disaster occurred, true mourning has not yet been achieved due to divisions. In any sense, we hope the families will no longer have to grieve on the streets.

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