South Korean singer and actor Lee Ji Han has been confirmed to have died after the Itaewon crowd crush tragedy.
On Saturday (October 29) night, over 100,000 partygoers reportedly gathered at the popular nightlife neighborhood of Itaewon in Seoul to attend the community's annual Halloween festivities.
As reported by Yonhap News Agency, a crowd gathered in a narrow alleyway later that night, leaving many people - mostly aged in their teens and 20s - unable to move or breathe.
It has been confirmed that the 24-year-old singer - who was best known as a contestant on the music talent show Produce 101 Season 2 - was caught up in the stampede and died.
In a statement translated by Soompi, the singer's agency, 935 Entertainment, wrote: "It’s true that Lee Ji Han passed away due to the accident in Itaewon on October 29.
"We also hoped that it wasn’t true, and we were very shocked to hear the news. The family is suffering immense grief right now, so we are being very cautious. May he rest in peace."
"Please send a warm farewell to [Lee], who left us too soon. We will also remember Lee, who shone beautifully with his passion for acting," they added.
According to SBS Star, Ji Han’s other agency, 9ato Entertainment, also shared their condolences in a statement, writing: "We are sad to deliver such news today, but Lee Jihan has passed away in the crush in Itaewon last night."
"We would like to express our deepest condolences to his family, who are saddened by the sudden tragic news, also to everyone who loved him," they continued. "Lee Ji-han brightly smiled when greeting us all the time."
"He had pure and positive energy with great passion for acting. It is very hard to believe that we cannot see him anymore. Please send your warm goodbye to Lee Ji-han. He’ll always be remembered," they concluded.
Per local officials, at least 19 foreigners lost their lives in the stampede. It is believed that the streets were so packed with people and slow-moving vehicles that it was practically impossible for emergency workers and ambulances to reach the alley.
As of yesterday, the South Korean government has declared a period of national mourning until midnight of November 5, as announced by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on October 30, per The Korea Herald.
Also, President Yoon Suk Yeol ordered the Ministry of Health and Welfare to deploy disaster medical teams and give hospital beds to those injured in the tragedy.
During the national mourning period, all non-essential public events have been canceled or postponed. The country’s entertainment industry has therefore stopped events and scheduled releases out of respect for the deceased.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of all the victims.
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