On November 1, sad news came from the Korean Football Association. A memorial service was underway in the plaza in front of Seoul City Hall, where soccer dignitaries such as KFA President Chung Mong-kyu, men's soccer coach Paulo Bento, and women's national team coach Colleen Bell remembered the lives lost in the stampede.
President Chung Mong-kyu's words were filled with sorrow: "The grief is beyond words, and on behalf of all of Korean soccer, I offer my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wish the injured a speedy recovery."
Coach Paulo Bento's voice was incredibly shocked: "Until now, I still find it hard to believe this tragedy and am heartbroken. We would like to do everything we can to offer the families of the victims even a shred of comfort."
Coach Colin Bell, for his part, expressed his deepest condolences for the deceased, "My sincerest condolences go out to the families of the victims, who will be remembered forever. We pray for the happiness and well-being of all, including those of our fellow injured."
As of 11 p.m. on Nov. 1, 156 people, including 101 females and 55 males, have tragically passed away as a result of the stampede at the Reitai Hospital, according to the latest report from the Korea Central Disaster Safety Countermeasures Headquarters. Another 151 people have been injured, 40 of whom are being treated in hospitals.
