One of those who perished in the horrific Itaewon Halloween celebration stampede in Seoul on Oct. 29 was a contestant in the Korean survival audition show “Produce 101” season 2.
The celebration in Itaewon, the first full-scale Halloween event after two years since the pandemic and following the easing of social distancing, turned into a national tragedy.
As of this writing, 153 people were killed and 133 were injured in the incident, Yonhap News reported.
The tragedy happened as thousands of people crammed a narrow alley in Itaewon, a popular hangout for its numerous bars and restaurants.
It became the worst tragedy in South Korean history since the sinking of the Sewol ferry in 2014, Yonhap News added.
Korean media reported that Lee Jihan, who was a contestant in “Produce 101” season 2 in 2017, died in the Itaewon tragedy. He was 24.
Lee Jihan was a trainee of Pan Entertainment when he joined the show, which gave birth to idol group Wanna One.
Kim Dohyun and Park Heeseok, who also joined as contestants in “Produce 101” season 2, paid tribute to Lee Jihan on Instagram story, along with musician Vizo.
“Jihan left this place and went to a comfortable place. Please say goodbye to Jihan on his last journey,” Kim Dohyun posted.
His wake is at the Myeongji Hospital Funeral Hall No. 8 and his burial is on Nov. 1.
Lee Jihan’s agency, 935 Entertainment, confirmed his death.
"It is true that Lee Ji-han died in an accident in Itaewon on October 29. We hoped it was not true but when we heard the news, we were very shocked. We are very careful because his family is in a very sad situation. We pray for the repose of the deceased," the agency said, Xports news reported.
Lee Jihan made his acting debut in 2019 in the web drama “Today Was Another Nam Hyun Day.”