[Press Release] Commission Adopts Investigation Findings on Deceased Itaewon Merchant

National Commission for the Investigation of the October 29 Itaewon Disaster
Press Release
June 30, 2026

Commission Adopts Investigation Findings on Deceased Itaewon Merchant, Baek **

The case is the first truth-finding determination based on the Commission’s investigative activities since its establishment.
The Commission determines that the deceased merchant died as a result of psychological harm caused by the October 29 Itaewon disaster.

The National Commission for the Investigation of the October 29 Itaewon Disaster and Prevention of Recurrence (the “Commission”) determined, at its 61st plenary meeting on June 30, to investigate the facts concerning the death of Baek **, a merchant in Itaewon who participated in rescue efforts at the scene of the October 29 Itaewon disaster.

The Commission became aware through media reports on April 29 that the deceased merchant (Baek **), who had participated in rescue efforts at the scene of the disaster, had experienced worsening depression due to psychological trauma and was later found dead after suffering a psychological crisis. The Commission therefore resolved to initiate an investigation at its 58th meeting on May 19.

According to the findings of the Commission’s investigation, prior to the disaster, the deceased merchant, as a self-employed business owner and an employee at the same time, was running a business on Itaewon’s World Food Street, was preparing to open a second location, and was working as an operations manager at a pub run by an acquaintance. At around 11 p.m. on the night of the disaster, he witnessed numerous people collapsed near his store and participated in emergency rescue efforts, transporting unconscious people and securing space where they could be laid down.

Before the disaster, he was an outgoing and energetic person, worked actively, and maintained good relationships with family members. After the disaster, however, he underwent significant changes, becoming estranged from his family members and experiencing severe emotional fluctuations.

Regarding these changes, a psychiatrist determined that the deceased had suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which exacerbated depression and ultimately led to his death. A psychology expert also assessed that the deceased merchant likely experienced trauma as a result of carrying out rescue efforts and transporting deceased persons at the disaster scene. The expert further analyzed that the deceased merchant’s relationships with others grew distant and his sense of belonging was shattered with his store’s financial difficulties; this, combined with a sense of guilt and helplessness, ultimately led to his death.

The Commission investigated the deceased merchant’s circumstances before and after the disaster and, based on expert assessments, determined that his death constituted a death resulting from psychological harm caused by the disaster. The Commission also recommended measures to strengthen the rights of survivors and prevent similar harm from occurring again.

Chairperson Song Doo-Hwan said, “This determination is the first truth-finding determination made by the Commission based on its investigative activities since its establishment. It is significant in that it reaffirms the principle of state responsibility for harm caused by the disaster and the protection of victims’ rights. Through this determination, the Commission will fulfill its responsibility to identify and improve shortcomings in the victim support system so that those suffering similar harm are not hurt again by institutional barriers.” //End//