Seoul Stampede: Unificationists Join In Prayers, Mourning
Photo courtesy of AP
Unificationists from across America and around the world are offering their heartfelt prayers to the people of Korea after a deadly stampede in Seoul claimed the lives of more than 150 people and injured many more on Oct. 29. Leaders of the Unification movement shared their deepest condolences to those impacted by the tragic event.
“Our prayers go out to the families who lost their loved ones, to those who were injured, and to all the people who witnessed this horrific scene,” stated President Rev. Naokimi Ushiroda on behalf of FFWPU USA. “We invite our members to reach out to family and friends in the Republic of Korea to support them during this time of grief and to help them to receive the mental, emotional and spiritual healing they may need.”
The movement’s affiliate organizations responded to the devastating event as well. “We are deeply shocked and saddened by the loss of so many precious lives, including young people with promising futures ahead,” read a joint statement released on behalf of WFWP International by Dr. Julia Moon, WFWP international president, and Dr. Sun Jin Moon, WFWP senior vice president. “Our thoughts are with the people of the Republic of Korea during this difficult time. We continue to pray for the fast and full recovery of those who were injured.”
Police say the Halloween crowd had up to 100,000 people gathered in Itaewon, a popular nightlife district, before many celebrants surged into a narrow alleyway and were crushed. With an understaffed police presence, partygoers performed CPR in an effort to save lives. In the aftermath, mourners laid candles and stalks of white chrysanthemums, a symbol of grief in South Korea, at a makeshift altar near the Itaewon subway station, news outlets reported.
Photo courtesy of Reuters
For Sunhee, a young Unificationist in the U.S. with relatives in Korea, the incident hit close to home. “I was shocked about the stampede and all the chaos,” she said. “I was thinking about my family but also the many people affected by this horrible situation. It’s heart-wrenching that something like this could happen. My heart and prayers are with everyone in Korea right now.”
News reports say all the victims have since been identified, with a vast majority being teenagers and young adults in their 20s who were mostly women. The victims include a well-known K-Pop singer, Lee Jihan, and at least 26 foreign nationals, two of which have been identified as young Americans. In a statement on Twitter, US President Joe Biden also offered his condolences.
“Jill and I are devastated to learn that at least two Americans are among so many who lost their lives in Seoul. Our hearts go out to their loved ones in this time of grief, and we continue to pray for the recovery of all who were injured,” the president said.
Several world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also expressed their sadness and sympathies to Korea. “All our thoughts are with those currently responding and all South Koreans at this very distressing time,” Sunak wrote on Twitter.
Photo courtesy of AP
First established in South Korea, the Unification movement is an international stronghold headquartered in Seoul. Founders Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, natives of modern-day North Korea, have dedicated their lives to peacefully reunifying their homeland and hold a deep love and respect for Korea’s people. Prayer calls have been organized by various Unificationists nationally and worldwide.
South Korean flags were flown at half-mast at the government complex as President Yoon Suk-yeol announced a weeklong national mourning period until November 5.
You can connect with a Unificationist community near you here.