Reviewing stakeholders during the Itaewon Halloween crowd crush, Korea 2022: Qualitative content analysis

Abstract

Background The issue of crowd crushes has been not only very complicated but also uncertain. This article aimed to evaluate how situations such as the Itaewon Halloween crowd crush in South Korea in 2022 can be better managed to reduce human loss. Methods Qualitative analysis was the key methodology used to compare emergency planning for ordinary events with contingency planning for special events, focusing on four stakeholders, namely governments, businesses, voluntary organizations, and other local communities. Results The key finding was that all stakeholders would need to supplement emergency planning for ordinary events with contingency planning for special events for the nation. They must embody cooperation, cutting-edge technologies, routinized updates, situation awareness, political rationality, training and exercise, and others, based on inclusion. Conclusions This is a pioneer study that examined the Itaewon crowd crush more comprehensively than others in particular by including many disaster management principles.

Save the Day: How the Dissemination of Tourism Crises Can Reinvigorate a Tourism Destination Image after the Seoul Halloween Crowd Crush

“…Several studies have been conducted to scientifically analyze the Seoul Halloween crowd crush, and these studies have provided ample evidence for DMOs on how to manage tourism crises. For example, Kyoo-Man reviewed the handling of such events through qualitative analyses, suggesting that all stakeholders need to supplement ordinary event contingency planning with national special event contingency planning [18]. This is helpful for DMOs to establish effective tourism crisis prevention mechanisms.…”

“…The Seoul Halloween crowd crush is a severe stampede that occurred in Itaewon of South Korea. The event resulted in significant loss of life and property, leading to the punishment of responsible parties for negligence resulting in death [18]. This event seriously disrupted the operation of the local tourism industry and compromised the safety of tourists' activities, representing a typical tourism crisis resulting from management mistakes [19].…”