Another Itaewon Disaster Rescuer Dies Amidst Calls for Trauma Support

The Hankyoreh reports with deep sorrow on the death of a local shop owner, identified as 'A', who had been instrumental in the initial rescue efforts during the tragic Itaewon crowd crush. Found dead ten days after disappearing, 'A' had been officially recognized as a victim of the disaster due to the severe physical and psychological toll it took on him. This heartbreaking incident underscores the persistent and devastating impact of the Itaewon tragedy, even years later, and brings renewed anguish to the families of the deceased and other survivors.

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Trauma is difficult to treat in a short period and deepens over time, so families have consistently argued for continuous treatment support, but I feel heartbroken that the government's response seems to have been complacent in that regard.

'A', who ran a bar near the Hamilton Hotel in Itaewon, was among the first responders, helping to move victims and calling for assistance. Despite his heroic actions, he struggled with the aftermath, eventually closing his business due to mounting debts and seeking employment elsewhere. His reported distress in the period leading up to his disappearance paints a grim picture of the long-term psychological burden carried by those directly involved in the disaster, whether as victims, survivors, or rescuers.

The article points out a disturbing pattern: this is not an isolated incident. Two firefighters who were part of the rescue operations also died by suicide in the months following the tragedy. While the government has a process for recognizing survivors and rescuers as victims, the Hankyoreh emphasizes that this individual recognition does not equate to a comprehensive understanding or systematic support for the widespread trauma experienced. The recent revision of the Itaewon Special Act, which includes provisions for long-term health monitoring of victims starting next year, is seen as a step, but the families and support groups argue it is insufficient and comes too late for many.

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It is difficult to gauge how many people, including families of victims, survivors, and rescue participants, are suffering from trauma and enduring it in silence.

From a South Korean perspective, the Itaewon disaster remains a deeply sensitive and unresolved national trauma. The government's response has been criticized as inadequate, with a focus on individual compensation rather than systemic psychological support. The Hankyoreh, known for its critical stance on government handling of such issues, frames this story not just as a tragic death, but as a failure of the state to adequately care for its citizens who suffered immensely. The repeated deaths among survivors and rescuers highlight a critical gap in mental healthcare and trauma support, a reality that resonates profoundly within a society still grappling with the collective grief and the demand for accountability. This story is a stark reminder that the Itaewon tragedy's scars run deep, affecting not only the immediate victims but also those who tried to save them, and that the nation's healing process is far from complete.

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We must no longer neglect the psychological and emotional trauma that all rescuers, including local merchants and residents who dedicated themselves to rescuing the victims, had to bear individually.