A South Korean courtroom delivered a stunning acquittal for the former chief of Seoul's police force, Kim Kwang-ho, absolving him of negligence charges stemming from the devastating Halloween crowd surge that claimed 159 lives in 2022. Kim stood as the highest-ranking law enforcement officer to face charges in the tragedy that rocked the vibrant Itaewon nightlife district.
In a verdict announced on Thursday, the court asserted that the prosecution's evidence fell short of establishing Kim's dereliction of duty prior to the catastrophe and during the initial response efforts. This contrasts sharply with the fate of a junior police officer, Lee Im-jae, who was recently sentenced to three years in prison for failing to avert the worldwide shockwave caused by the deadly crush.
The decision sparked fierce protests from grieving families of the victims, who felt betrayed by the justice system. Kim's indictment, a mere eleven months ago, over a year after the calamity, has fueled their outrage, with accusations that he should have faced charges much sooner. His dismissal from office in June, following disciplinary action, seemed little solace to those seeking accountability.
Moreover, two of Kim's co-defendants, Ryu Mi-jin and Jeong Dae-gyeong, who served as situation management officers on that fateful night, were likewise declared not guilty, compounding the families' disappointment.
The victims' families voiced their vehement condemnation of the verdict, urging prosecutors to file an appeal. "The court has missed a crucial opportunity to underscore the immense responsibility borne by public officials to safeguard the lives and well-being of the public, and to serve as a stark reminder to state leaders and society at large," they lamented.
"The prosecution's inadequate investigation and the court's passive legal interpretation have not only delayed justice for those culpable but have once again trampled on the rights of the victims," they added, their voices echoing the depth of their distress.
A special police panel had previously delved into the case, releasing a report in January that largely shielded senior government officials from blame, instead placing the onus on local municipalities and emergency services for inadequate planning and a sluggish emergency response.
The night of October 29, 2022, forever etched in memory, saw a majority of the victims, youthful revelers celebrating Halloween in Itaewon's bustling bars and restaurants lining narrow lanes, perish in a suffocating alleyway. Some estimates suggest the area was swamped with over 100,000 people, triggering a national uproar and accusations that authorities had fallen short in their duty to prevent such a tragedy.
