{
  "id": 17036157,
  "title": "[PHOTOS] 4 years on: Enduring grief of Itaewon's bereaved families",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/photos-4-years-on-enduring-grief-of-itaewons-bereaved-families",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-29T09:02:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/photos/photonews/20261029/photos-4-years-on-enduring-grief-of-itaewons-bereaved-families"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Four years have passed since a catastrophic crowd disaster struck the Itaewon neighborhood in Seoul, leaving over 150 people dead. The tragedy remains a painful reminder for the bereaved families who continue to mourn their losses. On Thursday, marking the fourth anniversary of the Itaewon disaster, a solemn memorial ceremony took place at Gwanghwamun Plaza in the city center.\n\nAmong the mourners was Pascal Genego, a French national who lost his beloved son in the deadly crowd disaster. Pascal spoke at the ceremony, his voice choked with emotion as he recalled the heartbreaking loss of his son. The French ambassador, Pascal Genego, was present to offer his condolences and support to the grieving families.\n\nThe First Lady of South Korea, Kim Hea Kyung, was also in attendance. Accompanied by President Lee Jae Myung, she displayed visible emotions while watching a memorial video during the ceremony. Tears streamed down her face as she listened to the poignant remembrances of the victims and their loved ones.\n\nIn the aftermath of the disaster, the Yongsan District office has been diligently maintaining the October 29 Memorial Alley in Seoul's Itaewon neighborhood. On Thursday, a Yongsan District office employee can be seen sweeping up the alley, paying tribute to the lives lost in the tragic event.\n\nAs the years pass, the Itaewon disaster site continues to serve as a poignant reminder of the tragedy. Mourners pause to remember the victims, leaving messages and offerings of remembrance. The site stands as a testament to the enduring grief of the families who have lost loved ones in the deadly crowd disaster.",
  "summary": "A bereaved woman who lost a loved one in a deadly crowd disaster wipes away tears during a memorial ceremony at Gwanghwamun Plaza, Seoul, Thursday, marking the fourth anniversary of the Itaewon tragedy. Yonhap",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yonhap News",
        "title": "Families of foreign victims demand answers, accountability for 2022 Itaewon disaster",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/28/families-of-foreign-victims-demand-answers-accountability-for-2022",
        "published": "2026-10-28T06:00:27.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}