The Itaewon Research Center for Crowd Crush (IRCCC)

The Itaewon Research Center for Crowd Crush (IRCCC) is a pioneering institution dedicated to understanding, preventing, and managing disasters related to crowd dynamics. Established in the aftermath of the tragic Itaewon Halloween Festival crowd crush in 2022, IRCCC represents a collaborative effort to transform profound loss into lasting learning and preparedness.

Our mission began on November 29, 2022, when leading international experts on crowd crush—including Dr. Phil Yang —gathered for a video seminar just one month after the disaster to pursue truth-seeking and preventive action. This event crystallized our commitment to transforming collective expertise into proactive measures with global impact.

At IRCCC, we are committed to producing groundbreaking research and insights on crowd behavior and disaster response. Our foundational work, the 163-page Itaewon White Paper Guidelines, serves as a cornerstone for ongoing data collection and academic scholarship in disaster management. This comprehensive document guides our research and shapes the global conversation on crowd safety.

Under the leadership of Chief Professor Soon-Joo Wang of Hallym University, and with the contributions of experts such as Dr. Phil Yang, our team has become a respected voice in the international community. Our contributions at domestic and international conferences, including the prestigious 2023 WADEM Congress and forums hosted by the Korean Society of Disaster Medicine, underscore our dedication to sharing knowledge and best practices worldwide.

Our proactive approach includes hosting annual workshops and seminars to foster dialogue and collaboration among experts, practitioners, and the public. Additionally, we launched an upgraded website to advance understanding of disaster science, crowd crush phenomena, and strategies for enhancing preparedness and response both locally and globally.

The IRCCC is more than just a research center—it is a community of scholars, professionals, and citizens united in the pursuit of safety and resilience.