Parliament Holds Moment of Silence for Itaewon Tragedy's 3rd Anniversary

Parliament's Culture Committee Commemorates Itaewon Tragedy's 3rd Anniversary with Moment of Silence

On October 29, 2025, the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee held a comprehensive audit of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and related agencies at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul. Chaired by Representative Kim Gyo-heung, the audit began with a solemn moment of silence observed by the committee members to commemorate the third anniversary of the October 29th Itaewon tragedy and honor the victims. The silence served as a moment to reflect on the pain of the disaster and pay tribute to those who lost their lives. The committee members participated with grave expressions, offering their condolences.

The Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee plans to use this comprehensive audit to examine key policy issues of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and to discuss matters related to the Itaewon tragedy. In particular, questions are expected regarding the Ministry's plans to strengthen its disaster safety management system in the wake of the tragedy. The committee members are expected to emphasize the need for a thorough audit of related agencies to prevent similar tragedies from recurring. Furthermore, the committee is expected to point out problems related to support measures for victims of the Itaewon tragedy and urge the government to develop practical support plans. The South Korean government, led by President Lee Jae-myung, is making various efforts to support the victims of the Itaewon tragedy, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is also operating psychological treatment and social reintegration support programs for victims. However, victims continue to suffer from psychological distress and financial difficulties, and there is a growing call for stronger practical support.

The National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee's moment of silence reflects the commemoration of the victims and the condolence of the bereaved families on the 3rd anniversary of the Itaewon tragedy. It is also expected to serve as an opportunity for the National Assembly to pledge to not forget the lessons of the Itaewon tragedy and to continue working to strengthen the disaster safety system and support the victims. The Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee will do its best to identify the problems related to the Itaewon tragedy through this comprehensive audit, to develop improvement measures, and to contribute to promoting the safety and happiness of the people of South Korea. In particular, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism should improve the problems pointed out in this audit and strengthen the disaster safety management system to prevent similar tragedies from recurring. It should also expand practical support for victims and strengthen psychological treatment and social reintegration support programs to help victims return to their daily lives as soon as possible. The National Assembly of South Korea will continue to work tirelessly for the safety and happiness of the people, and will never forget the lessons of the Itaewon tragedy and will do its best to strengthen the disaster safety system and support the victims. This moment of silence by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee was part of this effort, a meaningful time to commemorate the souls of the victims of the Itaewon tragedy and to offer condolences to the bereaved families.

Meanwhile, various cultural, sports and tourism issues other than the Itaewon tragedy will be discussed at this comprehensive audit of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee. In particular, questions are expected regarding the recently controversial unfair contract issues in the K-pop industry. The committee members are expected to emphasize the need for a thorough audit of related agencies to ensure fairness in the K-pop industry and to protect the rights and interests of artists. Furthermore, the committee is expected to point out problems related to strengthening the competitiveness of the South Korean cultural content industry and urge the government to develop support plans to secure competitiveness in the global market. South Korea is a cultural content powerhouse that is expanding its global influence, but there are still challenges to be solved, such as unfair contract issues. Therefore, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee will do its best to solve these problems through this comprehensive audit and contribute to laying the foundation for the continuous development of the South Korean cultural content industry. In addition, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism should improve the problems pointed out in this audit and actively promote policies to strengthen the competitiveness of the cultural content industry.