[PHOTOS] 4 years on: The enduring grief of Itaewon's bereaved families

Four years have passed since the tragic crowd disaster in Itaewon, Seoul, that took over 150 lives. The anniversary of this devastating event was marked with grief and remembrance on Thursday, as families and mourners gathered at Gwanghwamun Plaza to pay their respects.

Among those who attended the memorial ceremony was Pascal Genego, a French national who tragically lost his son in the calamity. As he spoke during the event, his voice was heavy with sorrow, a testament to the enduring pain faced by the bereaved families.

The First Lady of South Korea, Kim Hea Kyung, was also present at the ceremony, accompanied by President Lee Jae Myung. She wiped away tears while watching a memorial video, her emotions a poignant reflection of the collective grief that permeated the atmosphere.

In the days following the tragedy, Yongsan District office employees have been diligently working to keep the area clean and maintained. On Thursday, one such employee was seen sweeping up the October 29 Memorial Alley in Itaewon, a poignant symbol of the ongoing commemoration of the victims.

As the anniversary unfolded, mourners continued to leave messages at the disaster site, their words a testament to the enduring impact of this catastrophe. A passerby paused to remember the victims, his presence a somber reminder of the 150 lives lost in the deadly crowd disaster that marked the fourth anniversary of the Itaewon tragedy.