[Itaewon Tragedy] Biden, Macron, Son Heung-min Mourn... Everland and Starbucks Cancel Halloween Events

World Leaders Express Condolences for 'Itaewon Tragedy'
Condolence Waves from Domestic Sports and Entertainment Sectors
Retail Industry and Theme Parks Cancel Halloween Events One After Another

On the 30th, citizens are registering missing persons related to the Itaewon Halloween casualties at the Hannam-dong Community Center in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] A wave of condolences continues following the massive casualty incident caused by the Itaewon crowd crush. Leaders of major countries around the world expressed their condolences and offered support through statements or social media (SNS), while the retail industry immediately canceled Halloween-related events.

On the 29th (local time), U.S. President Joe Biden issued a statement expressing condolences to the victims and families affected by the crowd crush accident that occurred in Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. He said, "My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones," and "I wish a speedy recovery to those injured." He added, "The alliance between our two countries is more vibrant and energetic than ever, and the bond between our peoples is stronger than ever," and "The United States will stand with South Korea during this tragic time."

Condolences from world leaders also continued on Twitter. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated, "I send my deepest condolences and sympathies to all Koreans facing this very painful time and to those currently responding to the incident."

French President Emmanuel Macron also tweeted, "My sincere condolences for the tragedy that occurred in Itaewon," and "France stands with you." Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, "I am concerned for everyone affected by this tragedy," and "On behalf of Canadians, I send my deepest condolences to the Korean people."

Domestically, a wave of condolences has arisen in the entertainment and sports sectors. Soccer player Son Heung-min wrote on his SNS, "I have just heard the news of the sudden accident. I hope no more tragic victims will emerge, and I express my deepest condolences to the victims of the accident."

Broadcaster Sam Hammington posted a photo on Instagram with the message ‘PRAY FOR ITAEWON’ to mourn the victims of the crowd crush accident. Singer Jowbin also posted on SNS, ‘Please, no more victims... everyone, please pray!’

The retail industry has begun reviewing all Halloween-related events as a gesture of mourning for the Itaewon tragedy. Starbucks canceled all Halloween events scheduled until the 1st of next month. Accordingly, sales of Halloween promotion drinks and goods were stopped, and all in-store decorations and postings commemorating Halloween were removed. Lotte Department Store and Lotte Outlet also plan to cancel or postpone large-scale events scheduled ahead of Halloween.

Everland in Yongin announced on the 30th that it would suspend the Halloween festival, which opened on the 2nd of last month, and re-examine its customer safety system. The Halloween festival was originally scheduled to run for 80 days until the 20th of next month, but following the large-scale crowd crush accident in Itaewon on the night of the 29th, which caused many casualties, the decision was made to suspend the festival.

The government decided to designate a national mourning period until the accident recovery is completed. On the morning of the 30th, President Yoon said at a briefing room in the Presidential Office building in Yongsan, Seoul, "A tragedy and disaster that should never have happened occurred," and "I pray for the souls of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate accident and offer my deepest condolences to the bereaved families who have lost precious lives."

He continued, "As the body responsible for the lives and safety of the people, my heart is heavy and it is difficult to contain my sorrow," and emphasized, "The government will place the highest priority on this accident recovery and follow-up measures until the situation is resolved." He also instructed local governments to urgently inspect regional festivals, saying, "We will thoroughly investigate the cause of the accident and fundamentally improve measures to prevent recurrence."