In a recent ruling a South Korean court has cleared Kim Kwang-ho the ex-Seoul police chief‚ and two other officers of wrongdoing in the 2022 Halloween crowd crush case. The incident which happened about two years ago resulted in almost 160 deaths in Seouls Itaewon district
The Seoul Western District Courtʼs decision has sparked anger among the victims relatives. They argue that the verdict fails to hold high-ranking officials responsible for the tragedy‚ which was largely attributed to poor disaster planning and an insufficient emergency response
Prosecutors had sought a five-year prison term for Kim (the most senior police official among over 20 indicted). However the court found that they couldnt prove he had violated his duties or establish a link between his actions and the high casualty count
An investigation revealed several failures in the police response:
- Only 137 officers were assigned to Itaewon that night
- Warnings about growing crowds were ignored
- Paramedics couldnt reach the injured in time
Some experts have labeled the crush a “manmade disaster“ suggesting it could have been avoided with simple measures like:
- Employing more police and public workers
- Enforcing one-way walking lanes
- Blocking narrow pathways
The Itaewon Disaster Bereaved Families group called the ruling “dishonest“ and “impossible to understand“ urging prosecutors to appeal. They strongly condemned the decision‚ stating that officials who ignored their duties for prevention preparation and response are being given a free pass
In contrast earlier this month‚ the same court sentenced the former chief of Seouls Yongsan district police station to three years in prison. Two of his colleagues were also convicted of professional negligence resulting in death. However‚ the court acquitted Park Hee-young (head of the Yongsan ward office) and three other ward officials stating they had no legal authority to control crowds
This verdict highlights the ongoing struggle for accountability in the aftermath of the Halloween tragedy – a case that continues to stir emotions and debate in South Korea