MOIS Extends Seoul Halloween Crowd Crush Victim Relief Period by One Year

[Financial News]  The government will extend the operating period of the National Commission for the Investigation of the October 29 Itaewon Disaster by one year. It will also extend the application periods for victim recognition, support funds, and healing leave. The measure is intended to secure sufficient time for the commission’s fact-finding activities while extending deadlines for victims’ rights remedies linked to the conclusion of the investigation.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS) said on the 8th that the Cabinet had approved a partial amendment to the Special Act on Guaranteeing the Rights of Victims of the October 29 Itaewon Disaster, Establishing the Truth, and Preventing Recurrence. The amendment will be promulgated and take effect on the 15th.
Under the amendment, the National Commission for the Investigation of the October 29 Itaewon Disaster will continue operating through September 16, 2027, a one-year extension. Under the current law, the commission must complete its work within one year of the decision to begin the investigation, with a possible one-time extension of up to three months. The government said it specified the new end date in the law to secure sufficient time for fact-finding as the current deadline of the 16th of this month approaches.
With the commission’s operating period extended, the period for seeking remedies for victims’ rights will also be extended. People seeking recognition as victims of the Seoul Halloween crowd crush or wishing to apply for support funds may submit applications to the October 29 Itaewon Disaster Damage Relief Deliberation Commission by March 16, 2028. Those eligible to apply for victim recognition include people who participated in emergency rescue or recovery efforts at the time of the disaster; people who operated businesses or worked near the accident site; and people who suffered physical, psychological, or economic harm and need recovery as a result of the disaster. Public officials who participated in rescue or recovery efforts as part of their official duties are excluded.
The deadline for recognized victims who are employees to apply for healing leave will also be extended by one year. Employees seeking leave to receive treatment for physical or psychological harm caused by the disaster may apply to their employers for healing leave by September 16, 2028. 
MOIS Minister Yun Ho-jung said, "I hope this amendment to the special act will sustain efforts to thoroughly establish the truth about the Seoul Halloween crowd crush and provide practical help to victims and bereaved families as they return to their daily lives." He added that the government would strengthen publicity and support so that no one misses out on benefits simply because they are unaware of the available assistance.


[email protected] Lee Bo-mi Reporter