South Korea's President Orders New Investigation into 2022 Halloween Tragedy

SEOUL — In a significant move aimed at addressing public safety concerns, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has ordered the establishment of a new investigation team to probe the tragic Halloween crowd crush that resulted in the deaths of 159 individuals in Seoul's Itaewon district in 2022. This announcement was made by the president's spokesperson, Kang Yu-jung, during a briefing held on July 17, 2025.

The decision to initiate a new investigation comes in the wake of President Lee's meeting with the bereaved families of victims affected by recent disasters, including the Itaewon tragedy. The president, who assumed office in June 2025, has pledged to enhance safety measures in the country and prevent future incidents attributed to governmental negligence. During the meeting, Lee expressed his remorse, stating, "As the head of state, I would like to formally apologize on behalf of the government for failing to fulfill its responsibility to protect the lives and safety of the people, and for the many people who lost their lives as a result."

The new investigation team will collaborate with a special commission that was already established in September 2024 to explore the circumstances surrounding the crowd crush. This commission had been criticized by victim representatives for lacking access to essential police records and information related to the government’s emergency response during the event. Song Hae-jin, a spokesperson for the families, highlighted the need for transparency, asserting that crucial data had been withheld from the special commission.

The Itaewon crowd crush occurred on October 29, 2022, when a massive influx of revelers celebrating Halloween resulted in a deadly surge. The incident raised serious questions about crowd management and emergency response protocols in South Korea. An initial investigation led to public outrage over the apparent inadequacies in the authorities' response, with many families of victims demanding accountability and better safety measures.

According to a report by the National Police Agency, the crowd was estimated to have reached over 100,000 attendees in the narrow streets of Itaewon, overwhelming police and emergency services. Despite numerous calls for increased police presence and adequate crowd control, the tragedy unfolded, leading to significant public criticism of the government’s preparedness and response.

In light of the ongoing investigations, experts have emphasized the importance of reforming crowd management policies. Dr. Kim Ji-hoon, a sociologist at Korea University, stressed that "proper crowd management and communication strategies are essential to prevent such tragedies in the future." His sentiments are echoed by public safety advocates, who have called for comprehensive reviews of safety regulations at large gatherings.

This renewed investigation also highlights South Korea’s broader challenges in ensuring public safety during large-scale events, a concern that has gained prominence following several recent disasters. The implications of the Itaewon crowd crush extend beyond national borders, as countries worldwide reassess their crowd management practices in light of similar incidents.

As President Lee's administration begins this new inquiry, the outcome will likely shape public perceptions of government accountability and safety standards in South Korea. The families of the victims, still grappling with their loss, await justice and assurance that such a tragedy will not recur.

The establishment of the new investigation team is a critical step towards addressing the systemic issues that contributed to the 2022 crowd crush, with the hope that it will foster a safer environment for future public gatherings. As the investigation unfolds, the nation watches closely, hoping for meaningful changes that prioritize safety and accountability amidst the shadows of past tragedies.