By Lee Jihae
Leaders around the world have sent their condolences over the "Itaewon incident" of Oct. 29 in the Itaewon-dong neighborhood of Seoul's Yongsan-gu District.
U.S. President Joe Biden on Oct. 29 said in a statement, "Jill and I send our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones in Seoul. We grieve with the people of the Republic of Korea and send our best wishes for a quick recovery to all those who were injured."
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Oct. 30 said through his country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "We are deeply shocked and very sad that many people including youths lost their precious lives in the extremely horrific accident that occurred in Seoul's Itaewon area," adding, "On behalf of the Japanese government and people, I express my condolences to the victims and their bereaved families."
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who assumed office on Oct. 25, said in a tweet on Oct. 30, "All our thoughts are with those currently responding and all South Koreans at this very distressing time."
French President Emmanuel Macron on Oct. 30 also said in a tweet, "Heartfelt thoughts for the residents of Seoul and the Korean people after the tragedy at Itaewon. France is at your side."
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on the same day said through Twitter, "We are deeply shocked by the tragic events in #Seoul. Our thoughts are with the many victims and their families."
European Council President Charles Michel said that day on his Twitter, "Deepest sympathies with the families and friends of the victims of the horrific accident in South Korea. Wishing the injured a speedy recovery."
The stampede on Oct. 29 at an Itaewon alley in Yongsan-gu killed 154 people.
jihlee08@korea.kr
