Should Halloween Be Celebrated this Year in Itaewon?
That is the debate in South Korea right now in regards to whether it is too soon to celebrate Halloween one year after the horrible crushing tragedy that killed 159 people:
Controversy has arisen over whether visiting Seoul’s popular nightlife district Itaewon to celebrate Halloween this year is acceptable, as the one-year anniversary of the crowd crush that took the lives of 159 mostly young people approaches.
On Sunday, an online community post posed the question: “Is going to Itaewon this Halloween a thoughtless act?” The post presented two options — “It’s thoughtless” and “No problem at all” — soon sparking fervent discussion with hundreds of comments.
While there were several reactions of concern over enjoying Halloween in Itaewon, the general consensus leaned toward the notion that visiting Itaewon for this year’s holiday would be acceptable. However, many emphasized the importance of commemorating the Itaewon tragedy and being cautious of each other’s safety, rather than solely indulging in Halloween festivities.
Korea Herald
You can read more at the link.
“All Hallows’ Eve” is all about death anyway…
Maybe better to celebrate sober on “All Saints’ Day”/”Reformation Day” on November 1.
Drink and lack of introspection were among the causes for the tragedy, assuming it was just an accident.
Why not use the memory of the honored dead to turn Itaewon back into a lively (as opposed to deadly) place for friends to gather.
And if no one drinks on only that one night, won’t that be remarkable?
Add it to the haunted Seoul tour, have a seance, bring out the ouija boards.