뉴스노믹스 AJAY ANGELINA 기자 | “Following the president’s directive, the government has declared a national mourning period until midnight
of Nov. 5, during which the nation will mourn the perished,”
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo told a media briefing. “A joint altar for the victims will be set up at a location in Seoul that has yet to be decided”, he added.
He added, during the period, all government offices and overseas missions will lower their flags to half-mast and cancel or postpone nonessential public events. Civil servants and employees of public institutions will wear ribbons to express their condolences, officials explained.
Halloween-themed festivals and other events expected to huge crowds were canceled in Jeju Island, Busan and Seoul. Busan City announced the cancellation of a K-pop concert, expected to be held at Busan Asiad Main Stadium on Sunday evening hoping over 40,000 people to attend.
This incident has left many South Koreans heart broken. The businessmen in Itaewon put their messages of condolences and many are resolved to close at the last day of the national mourning period. The leaders around the world have offered their condolences and messages of support following the South Korea tragedy.
President Biden on Saturday extended his condolences to the victims’ families.
“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 a statement. “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.”
