Economist Podcasts Scar from the madding crowd: Korea probes a tragedy
Nov 24, 2022
Andrew Knox, The Economist's Korea correspondent, provides an expert analysis of the Itaewon tragedy, discussing the tragic loss of over 150 lives and the public outrage over the inadequate police response. Simon Wright, the industry editor, dives into the automotive revolution as vehicles transition into software platforms, addressing the challenges traditional car manufacturers face in this new landscape. The conversation also touches on the cultural impact of organizations like the National Trust amidst evolving societal debates.
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Itaewon Tragedy
- The Itaewon Halloween crush resulted in over 150 deaths due to severe overcrowding.
- Despite multiple calls to police warning of the dangerous situation, officers were slow to respond, and crowd control measures were not implemented.
Initial Response and Investigation
- Initial government responses downplayed police responsibility, leading to public backlash.
- A police investigation is underway, with raids conducted on various agencies, and some lower-level officials indicted.
Public Anger and Parliamentary Inquiry
- Public grief has shifted to anger due to perceived government inaction and historical context of similar incidents.
- An opposition-led parliamentary inquiry aims to determine higher-level responsibility and address concerns about government control over the police.
