President Yoon at Itaewon Tragedy Memorial Service: "Sorry We Could Not Protect You"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Minji Lee] President Yoon Suk-yeol attended a memorial service for the Itaewon tragedy on the 5th and said, "The regret of not being able to protect the young lives in their prime will never leave me."

At the "Korean Church Itaewon Tragedy Memorial Service" held at Ha-eun Hall, Baekseok University Seoul Campus, President Yoon said, "Parents lost their beloved children, and friends lost precious companions overnight," and promised, "We will take infinite responsibility to ensure that such a tragedy does not happen again."

He added, "This tragedy is the sorrow and pain of all of us," and requested, "I ask the Korean church and its believers, who have always been a strong support for neighbors in need, to embrace our society's pain with love and faith."

President Yoon also requested, "I ask all believers to pray earnestly so that the government and I can wholeheartedly and with all our strength create a safe Republic of Korea."

Following his attendance at the "Itaewon Tragedy Victims Memorial Buddhist Service" held at Jogyesa Temple the previous day, President Yoon visited the Protestant memorial event to express his condolences. The service was attended by First Lady Kim Keon-hee, Presidential Secretary Kim Dae-gi, Chief of Security Kim Yong-hyun, Senior Secretary for Public Relations Kim Eun-hye, Senior Secretary for Civil Society Kang Seung-gyu, Deputy Director of National Security Office Im Jong-deuk, Protocol Secretary Kim Il-beom, and others.

From the Protestant community, about 1,000 people including Kim Sam-hwan, Senior Pastor Emeritus of Myeongseong Church; Kim Jang-hwan, Chairman of Far East Broadcasting Company; Jang Jong-hyun, President of the Presbyterian Church of Korea Baekseok General Assembly; Ko Myung-jin, Senior Pastor of Suwon Central Baptist Church; Kim Tae-young, Senior Pastor of Baekyangro Church; Lee Soon-chang, President of the Presbyterian Church of Korea Tonghap General Assembly; Kim Joo-heon, President of the Korea Evangelical Holiness Church General Assembly; and church members were present.