Itaewon safety failure remains the focus of national concern after a new government audit exposed serious safety management flaws. The report linked the tragedy to police shortages caused by the relocation of the presidential office to Yongsan District.
The audit found that the police reallocation left Itaewon without safety officers on the night of the deadly crush. The Itaewon safety failure on October 29, 2022, killed 156 people and shocked the country.
The joint audit team launched its investigation on July 23, examining the Korean National Police Agency and Yongsan District Office. It also reviewed Seoul Metropolitan Government records to identify decision-making errors and resource mismanagement.
Officials discovered that the move of the presidential office from Cheong Wa Dae to Yongsan increased demand for police near protest zones. Consequently, this shift diverted officers from other districts, including Itaewon, which lacked any assigned public safety teams.
Furthermore, investigators found that Yongsan officials ignored early crowd warnings and failed to coordinate emergency responses. Their delayed communication and disorganized management worsened the situation. The report concluded that stronger leadership could have reduced casualties.
Authorities will impose disciplinary measures against 62 officials for negligence and poor disaster management. The Office for Government Policy Coordination led the inquiry in cooperation with the Interior and Safety Ministry. President Lee Jae Myung ordered the investigation soon after taking office in June.
In addition, the audit highlighted the absence of a centralized safety command center. Officials said this structural weakness allowed confusion and delayed decision-making, contributing directly to the Itaewon safety failure.
Bereaved families continued to call for accountability during a memorial at Gwanghwamun Square. They urged the government to reform urban safety systems and prevent future crowd disasters.
Experts believe the tragedy exposed deeper governance problems. They emphasized that fragmented authority between national and local agencies undermines quick and unified crisis responses. Analysts also argued that public gatherings in busy districts need stricter coordination between police, city officials, and emergency workers.
As a result, the government pledged to introduce new safety guidelines and train more crisis response teams. It will also enhance communication between agencies and strengthen on-site command systems during large events.
Ultimately, officials hope these reforms will restore public trust and prevent another Itaewon safety failure. The tragedy serves as a painful reminder that urban safety demands vigilance, coordination, and accountability at every level.
