On October 29, 2022, the neon-lit streets of Itaewon were illuminated by the red glow of dozens of ambulances. Even before the victims' funerals were completed, a peculiar memorial altar appeared in front of Seoul City Hall, composed entirely of pure white chrysanthemums and a plaque that read, "Deceased in the Itaewon Accident." In defiance of this hollow memorial, which seemed to promote forgetfulness rather than mourning, the families of the victims donned bright red shawls and took to the snowy white streets of Itaewon. The film explores the attempts, changes, frustrations, and solidarity that have emerged in the aftermath. For us, the Itaewon tragedy is far from over. 

On October 29, 2022, 159 lives were tragically lost in Itaewon, Seoul—an event that struck less than a decade after the Sewol Ferry disaster, while the wounds were still raw. How many more lives must be sacrificed before we achieve a truly safe society? The Sea Knows, produced by the Media Team of the Citizens' Countermeasure Committee for the Itaewon Tragedy, follows the journey of the victims' families, survivors, and others who carry the weight of that day over the course of a year. This journey confronts not only the evasion of responsibility by politicians and officials and the hateful remarks directed at the victims, but also something deeper. Released on the first anniversary of the tragedy, the film reveals a year marked by shared grief, comfort, and solidarity for those burdened with immeasurable sorrow. Their words and actions hold the key to creating a safer society. "If you desire safety, remember the tragedy." The film implores us to watch, to carry the memory beyond the theater, to never forget, and to build even stronger bonds of solidarity. 

The Stars Know is a documentary marking the first anniversary of the Seoul Halloween crowd crush, produced by the Media Team of the Citizens' Countermeasure Committee for the Itaewon Tragedy. It follows the "1029 Itaewon Tragedy Bereaved Families Association" in their ongoing fight for truth and accountability. The film traces the families' journey from the initial, heart-wrenching task of finding each other, to their continued struggle through various forms of protest: guarding memorial altars, engaging in hunger strikes, and marching 159 kilometers – a distance symbolizing the 159 lives lost in the tragedy. By documenting these acts of resilience, The Stars Know aims to reignite society's memory of the tragedy before it fades from public consciousness. 

• ProducerJUNG Gawon
• Cinematography PARK Myunghoon , Saehoon, SHIN Hosun
• Sound CHOI Jungjoo
• Music PYO Yongsoo

1029이태원참사 시민대책회의 

1029docu@gmail.com