South Korea has officially announced a mourning period for the victims and families due to the tragedy in Itaewon that happened on Saturday, October 29 around 22:00 KST. President Yoon Suk Yeol announced in a press conference on Sunday that the Seoul crowd crush resulted in over 150 casualties and at least 82 people injured. The period of national mourning will go from Sunday, October 30 until Saturday, November 5.
Numerous K-pop and fashion events scheduled to happen this week were either canceled or delayed in respect for those who lost their lives. One of the biggest K-pop festivals, the 2022 Busan One Asia Festival, scheduled for October 30 was also canceled. Acts like Brave Girls, MAMAMOO, and LE SSERAFIM were scheduled to perform.
Fashion house, Gucci, was originally scheduled to have their “Cosmognie” collection at Gyeongbokgung Palace on November 1, but announced that the show is now canceled. They took to social media to make the announcement stating: "We send our deepest condolences to the families and friends of all those who have been affected by the tragedy in Itaewon, Seoul, South Korea."
K-pop entertainment company SM Entertainment, deleted all announcements for their “SMTOWN WONDERLAND 2022” Halloween party that was planned for Oct. 30 and would have featured a live stream and red carpet event to feature its artists in costume. The management company is home to powerhouse acts such as Super Junior, Girls' Generation, NCT, and Aespa.
Multiple tv appearances, live-streams, fan events, video premieres have all been canceled throughout the Korean entertainment industry for at least the up-coming week.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those who were involved in this devastating tragedy. We also want to thank all the emergency workers: fire fighters, police, doctors, nurses, and volunteers for all the work that you do!
All reports of missing persons in Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu can be directed to 02-2199-8660, 02-2199-8664~8678, 02-2199-5165~5168 or the 120 Dasan Call Center. In-person reports can be made on the third floor at the Hannam-dong Community Service Center.