

Scar from the madding crowd: Korea probes a tragedy
Nov 24, 2022
Andrew Knox, The Economist's Korea correspondent, unpacks the emotional aftermath of the Itaewon tragedy, revealing the political tensions surrounding accountability and emergency response failures. Simon Wright, industry editor, discusses the seismic shift in the automotive world towards software-centric vehicles, depicting cars as evolving multimedia platforms. The conversation touches on the challenges traditional manufacturers face against upstarts like Tesla and explores the potential of subscription models, transforming consumer expectations in the auto industry.
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Itaewon Tragedy
- On Halloween, a deadly crowd crush in Itaewon, Seoul, resulted in over 150 deaths.
- Despite numerous calls to police warning of dangerous overcrowding, no action was taken.
Inadequate Police Response
- The police response to the Itaewon crush has been deemed inadequate.
- A special investigation includes raids on police and fire stations, and the chief of the National Police Office.
Indictments and Accountability
- Seven people face indictments for the Itaewon disaster, mostly low-level individuals.
- Criticism focuses on the lack of accountability for higher-ups.