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

Four years have passed since the tragic crowd disaster in Itaewon, Seoul, which claimed over 150 lives. The anniversary was marked by poignant remembrance ceremonies, where bereaved families and witnesses came together to pay their respects.

At Gwanghwamun Plaza, a bereaved woman wiped away tears as she stood alongside other grieving relatives, each lost to the devastating event. Pascal Genego, a French national, spoke during the ceremony, sharing his heartache over the loss of his son. First Lady Kim Hea Kyung, accompanied by President Lee Jae Myung, displayed emotion as they watched a memorial video during the event.

In the days following the tragedy, the Itaewon neighborhood saw a somber atmosphere as Yongsan District office employees cleared away debris from the Memorial Alley. Passersby paused to lay messages and flowers at the site, a testament to the enduring grief of the community. Each year, the anniversary brings back the painful memories of the disaster, a reminder of the lives lost and the need for accountability and change.