Marking the third anniversary of the Itaewon tragedy of October 29, 2022, a ceremony was held to pray for the victims’ peaceful rebirth and to offer consolation to their families. In particular, Venerable Seonwoo of the Jogye Order’s Social Labor Committee took the podium as a representative of civil society to read a joint declaration, affirming the commitment to stand together until the truth of the disaster is fully revealed. The event was co-hosted by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the 10·29 Itaewon Disaster Bereaved Families Council, Citizens’ Countermeasure Committee, and the Seoul Metropolitan Government, with some 2,000 people in attendance, including Prime Minister Kim Minseok and National Assembly Speaker Woo Wonshik.

The memorial began at 10:29 a.m on October 29, 2025 with a moment of silence, timed to a remembrance siren. In a video tribute, President Lee Jaemyung stated, “For the 10.29 tragedy, there was no preparedness beforehand, no proper response when it happened, and no one who took responsibility afterward. As the president charged with safeguarding the people’s lives and safety, I offer my deepest apology to the bereaved families and to the nation. We will reflect on and correct everything from our inadequate response and irresponsible evasion to the insufficiency of our apologies and consolation.”

Attending alongside Venerable Seonil, Director of the Jogye Order’s Social Affairs Dep. Venerable Seonwoo said after reading the declaration, “As a religious person, I constantly ask what role I can play. Our Social Labor Committee has done everything within its power for the victims and their families.” He emphasized again, “We will continue our prayers for the victims’ rebirth in the Pure Land and remain with the families until the truth is brought to light.”