The Uncle Who Lost His Nephew That Day: "Harsh Words Are Not Secondary Harm but Secondary Murder"

Interview with Families of 10·29 Tragedy Victims on MBC Radio Kim Jong-bae's Focus

The scene of the Itaewon accident about a month after the disaster on the 28th of last month. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] "This is not just secondary harm, it's secondary murder. Words and actions that kill twice."

Uncle A, who lost his nephew in the Itaewon tragedy, said this on the 14th during an appearance on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus.'

A criticized Changwon City Council member Kim Mina, who claimed "Did he die saving the country?" saying, "I don't know what kind of mindset leads to such remarks. They are simply people below the level who lack any empathy."

Among the bereaved families were heartbreaking stories: a family who lost a fianc?e before their wedding, parents who received a job acceptance message the day after their daughter's funeral, and a devoted daughter who donated bone marrow to her father suffering from blood cancer before passing away.

A said, "My sister, who hadn't eaten for about two days, went with me to the children's columbarium and afterward was so hungry that she ate a cup of ramen. After just a couple of bites, she suddenly felt so sorry that the food went down her throat and felt guilty for being hungry, so she hit her own face and self-harmed over those two bites of ramen. My sister is holding on like that," he conveyed.

A told his nephew, "I'm so sorry I couldn't protect you, but your uncle will protect the remaining family, so please wait for the day we meet again. Having you made me feel like I was alive and brought me happiness."

Meanwhile, 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' has decided to meet the families of the victims one by one and listen to their stories until January 7 next year, the first deadline for the 10·29 Disaster Special Committee's investigation.