 |
| A U.S. flag flies at half-mast in front of the U.S. Embassy in central Seoul, Sunday, as the foreign mission pays condolences to the victims of the tragic incident that killed at least 150 people in central Seoul's Itaewon area amid Halloween festivities Saturday night. Yonhap |
By Kwon Mee-yoo
As more than 150 people were killed during a deadly crowd crush in central Seoul's Itaewon, Saturday night, leaders around the world sent messages of condolences showing support.
U.S. President Joe Biden was one of the first foreign heads of state to express condolences over the tragedy in Seoul.
"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," Biden said in an official statement, mentioning first lady Jill Biden.
"The alliance between our two countries has never been more vibrant or more vital ― and the ties between our people are stronger than ever. The United States stands with the Republic of Korea during this tragic time."
The Chinese Embassy in Korea conveyed a condolence message from Chinese President Xi Jinping, Sunday afternoon.
Xi expressed condolences to the victims on behalf of the Chinese government and people and asked for the Korean government to take care of the Chinese nationals among the victims.
"Unfortunately, some Chinese people were killed or injured during the incident and I hope for Korea to do its best to treat them and take proper measures afterwards," Xi wrote.
French President Emmanuel Macron also sent a message of condolences for the people of Seoul and Korea, saying "France is by your side," in both French and Korean.
New British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak tweeted, "All our thoughts are with those currently responding and all South Koreans at this very distressing time."
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also left messages of deep condolences regarding the accident.
Josep Borrell, foreign policy chief of the European Union, said he is "deeply saddened by the terrible events in central Seoul."
"What meant to be a celebration turned into a tragedy with so many young casualties. We are with the people of the Republic of Korea at this difficult moment," Borrell posted on Twitter.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida wrote that he was shocked and saddened by the accident and expressed solidarity with the Korean government and people.
Other high-ranking U.S. officials also shared messages of condolences include National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, who hoped for "a quick recovery for those injured" and reaffirmed that the U.S. is "ready to provide the Republic of Korea with any support it needs."
Secretary of State Antony Blinken also paid condolences to "the family and friends of the deceased and injured, as well as to the people of the ROK as they mourn this horrific tragedy."
Foreign missions in Korea also paid close attention to the incident, sharing statements from their own countries as well as emergency hotline numbers.
According to fire officials, the death toll included 26 foreign nationals, including those from China, Iran, Russia, the U.S., France, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Norway, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Austria, as of Sunday evening. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it would cooperate with embassies to provide assistance.
U.S. Ambassador to Korea Philip Goldberg tweeted, "I'm devastated by the tragic loss of life in Itaewon last night. Please know my thoughts, and those of our team at U.S. Embassy Seoul, are with the Korean people and especially the loved ones of those who perished, as well as the many injured in this catastrophic incident."
Many embassies in Seoul lowered their flags to half-mast to show their condolences and released security statements urging their nationals to avoid the area and to contact family and friends.
![[INTERVIEW] North Korean-born chef delights Southerners' taste buds, breaks down cultural barriers](https://img.koreatimes.co.kr/upload/thumbnailV2/3a6dc51899d548b990f489b784a0ecd3.jpg/dims/resize/178/optimize)
![[Analysis] Yoon-Kishida meeting raises expectations of 3-way summit with China](https://img.koreatimes.co.kr/upload/thumbnailV2/f435e5a0dc774045ba9e051c7ea72913.jpg/dims/resize/178/optimize)
