The haunting memories of the Itaewon tragedy, where 159 people died during the Halloween celebrations in 2022, have been vividly captured in a new memoir titled We Are in Itaewon Now. This poignant compilation brings together the stories of survivors, bereaved families, and residents of Itaewon, painting a heart-wrenching picture of the day that changed countless lives forever.
Contributor Kim Hye-in, who lost her younger brother in the crowd crush, talked about the book. “We, the bereaved families, always say we should remember the tragedy to never let something like this happen again,” she said. “I thought recording it in words would be the best way to do that.”
The book, a collaborative effort by 13 individuals, including activists and ordinary citizens, is divided into three parts. Lee Jeong-min, who lost his daughter in the crush, shared, “This book illustrates ordinary lives before the tragedy took place, accounts on the day of the tragedy, and the voices of those who find it hard to move on.”
The fresh wounds of the Itaewon tragedy
Yoo Hae-jeong, an activist who has been chronicling the stories of mass tragedy victims since the Sewol ferry disaster in 2014, emphasized the importance of sharing the stories of the young victims. “Most of the victims were young people in their 20s and 30s,” Yoo said. “We wanted to deliver the stories of young people, who were often the target of social prejudice or stigma. We wanted to hear why society made them silent.”
Lee Hyun-gyung, another contributor, reflected on the recurring tragedies he has witnessed in his lifetime. “I experienced the Sewol ferry disaster when I was 20, then eight years later, the tragedy in Itaewon,” he said. “I keep asking why these tragedies continue to happen.”
The memoir also touches upon the controversial documentary Crush, released by streaming service Paramount+. The documentary, which is not viewable in South Korea, has sparked mixed reactions. Some felt the documentary was made “too soon” and accused companies of capitalizing on the tragedy. However, a friend of one of the victims believes the story needs to be told. They also urged travelers to avoid Itaewon during Halloween, given the fresh wounds the tragedy has left behind. – K-Pop News Writer
Featured Image: Contributor Kim Hye-in wrote about her late younger brother. Source: Yonhap News Agency.