After at least 151 people were killed and 150 were injured in the tragic crush in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday, president Yook Suk-yeol declared it a “national tragedy.” A period of mourning was announced starting on October 30, Saturday, which will extend till November 5.
Amidst what has already become one of the worst crush incidents in recent times, BTS member Kim Seokjin has postponed the release of the lyric video of his new song Astronaut. A listening party to promote the song was also cancelled. The decision was announced by Jin’s producer BigHit music on Sunday, followed by an official confirmation from the BTS Twitter handle.
Also read: South Korea declares period of national mourning after Seoul tragedy
“Jin’s content postponement announcement. We would like to inform you that the event and content below have been postponed. 12 PM, October 30 (KST) Stationhead Listening Party. 0 AM, October 31 (KST) The Astronaut Lyric Video,” BTS said on Twitter.
In a follow-up tweet, the band added: “The changed schedules will be announced through a separate notice. We ask for your generous understanding. Thank you.”
The incident happened at the first no-mask Halloween celebration in Seoul’s Itaewon where more than 100,000 people had gathered. The deaths occurred after a crowd surge in a narrow alley near Hamilton hotel – a popular party spot in the South Korean capital.
Also read: South Korea Halloween crush: Death toll rises to 151
“The most important thing is to determine the cause of the accident and prevent similar accidents. We will thoroughly investigate the cause of the accident and make fundamental improvements so that similar accidents do not happen again in the future,” South Korean President Yook Suk-yeol said in a televised address on Sunday.
“Jill and I send our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones in Seoul,” US president Joe Biden said in a tweet. He added, “We grieve with the people of the Republic of Korea and wish for a quick recovery to all those who were injured. The United States stands with the Republic of Korea during this tragic time.”