In response to the fatal stampede that occurred during the Halloween festivities in Seoul, which left more than 150 people dead, German President Frank Walter Steinmeier sent his “sincere sympathies” to the Korean people on behalf of his nation.
On a formal visit to the South Korean capital today, Friday, Steinmeier and his wife Elke Bodenbander placed white chrysanthemum flowers in the official memorial in Seoul. Additionally, they observed a moment of quiet and signed the condolence book.
“Alongside the Korean people, we are both in sadness. We are thinking of them.”
“Not only in happy times but also in difficult ones can friendship manifest itself. This holds true for the friendship between Korea and Germany. We are standing by Korea throughout this difficult moment.”
The incident happened during Halloween festivities in Seoul’s Atwan neighbourhood after large groups gathered there late on Saturday night. The tragedy’s circumstances are yet unclear.
Yonhap News Agency reports that there have been rumours of widespread panic.
Steinmeier in Seoul, where the flags are still flying today, Friday, described the festival as “the celebration that people were yearning for here with great joy and gladness that ended with a horrible catastrophe.”
“I have to mention the victims on this site because of a personal worry for my wife. We offer our condolences to the family members and friends of the victims who lost dear ones.
Following a business trip to Japan, Steinmeier and Bodenbander landed in the South Korean city on Thursday evening.
Later on Friday, the German president will meet with his South Korean colleague Yun Suk Yol. Political discussions with Prime Minister Han Duke Soo are also planned in light of the rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Since the end of September, North Korea has been testing missiles in response to worldwide condemnation.
Three ballistic missiles were launched on Thursday morning over the ocean, according to the South Korean General Staff, one of which is a reprocessable rocket that can carry nuclear weapons.
The German president offers his sympathies to those who lost their lives in the Sol’s stampede.
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