Halloween tragedy puts more pressure on Yoon

Significance

Yoon strongly censured failings by the police and other agencies. The same day, four officials -- from the local police, fire service and administration, and a duty police officer -- were formally booked for investigation for negligence.

Impacts

• Yoon, though little loved, has responded vigorously so far and may escape blame.
• Yoon is already in conflict with the police over reorganisation issues, so their probable culpability benefits him.
• The system failures this tragedy looks set to expose will dent the self-confidence of a nation obsessed by its global image.
• Beyond reform of police operations, the incident may focus attention also on South Korea’s high industrial accident rate.