President Lee Jaemyung expressed his condolences on August 20 following the news that a firefighter who had responded to the Itaewon disaster was found dead. President Lee also promised psychological counseling for rescue workers and a thorough investigation into the truth.
Through his social media account on this day, President Lee stated, "I have learned that a firefighter who was dispatched to the scene during the Itaewon disaster has passed away," and added, "He had undergone psychological counseling twelve times due to trauma after the disaster, but ultimately could not overcome the heavy burden." He continued, "Thinking of this young man who endured unimaginable pain for so long breaks my heart."
President Lee pointed out, "Until now, our society has not sufficiently established the social safety nets and psychological support systems necessary to fully confront and heal from national and collective trauma." He added, "Instead, we have regarded this as an issue for individuals to bear, leaving many without help, isolated and neglected."
On October 29, 2024, the second anniversary of the Itaewon Halloween disaster, memorial flower bouquets were placed in the alleyway at the accident site in Itaewon, Seoul.
He further emphasized, "If social indifference continues, trauma will only deepen and become prolonged, inevitably threatening the entire community. To solve this problem, our society must share in the pain, recognize our collective responsibility, and join forces to pursue recovery."
President Lee also stated, "The government will take responsible action to ensure that not only victims and bereaved families suffering from collective trauma caused by disasters and major accidents, but also rescue workers and related personnel, can heal their emotional wounds. We will work to prevent these aftereffects from threatening the overall well-being of society."
He went on to pledge, "We will also thoroughly uncover the truth. By reflecting on the causes and circumstances of the disaster, I promise to strengthen institutional and legal safety nets so that such tragedies are never repeated."
It has been reported that Firefighter A, who was in his 30s and served as a rescue worker during the Itaewon disaster, showed symptoms of depression after being dispatched to the scene. Despite receiving psychological counseling twelve times from the National Fire Agency and other organizations, he was found dead around 12:30 p.m. under a viaduct of the Capital Region First Ring Expressway in Geumi-dong, Siheung, Gyeonggi Province on this day.
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