Two days ago, a video showing a policeman pleading and begging the crowd to help clear Itaewon street during the tragic accident garnered much attention. In the video, the officer is seen screaming and blocking people from moving toward Itaewon alley, where the stampede accident occurred. 

The policeman was commended for his efforts as he was seen fighting to remove the crowd away from the streets alone. He is seen screaming in desperation, "Please help. Please don't come this way. People are dying. Please! Help out. Move away." The policeman quickly gained much attention as many applauded him for his hard work.

Recently, the policeman appeared in an interview with YTN News and said he does not deserve the attention or the praise, but rather he feels so guilty for being unable to save more people. He explained, "This was something I should be doing, and many people are commending me for what I should have naturally done. but I don't think I deserve (the praise) because I just did what I must do." He continued, "Rather, I was so lacking when doing what I must, so I am so sorry, and I feel guilty that I was not able to save more people because of my lacking at that time." The policeman shared that he agreed to the interview because he wanted to apologize to all the bereaving family because he was lacking.

The newscaster asked about the situation on that day. The policeman explained that he was initially called to Itaewon over a report about a fight that occurred in the area. He explained, "Just as I explained before, I went to the scene because of a report about a fight that occurred in the area where the tragedy happened. I heard a sound from the location of the incident and recognized that something had happened. So, I went to the alleyway with two other police officers. When we arrived, many people were already being crushed and asking for help." The policeman explained that the citizens were already pulling people out and rescuing them when he first arrived. He elaborated that he and the two officers began pulling people out when he realized that more people were coming toward the alleyway. That is why he decided to go out into the street to move the crowd away from the area. He explained the only thing on his mind was to save more people.

When asked about how he felt, the policeman shared that he felt guilty for being unable to save all the people who grabbed onto his arms on that day. He added that he is still unable to sleep because he feels he made the wrong decision of not going to the station to grab a loudspeaker. 

He shared, "I still regret not going to the station to grab a loudspeaker and still think how it would have been if I did that. So I am still unable to sleep at night. I rushed to the scene just thinking to save people but I still regret not grabbing the loudspeaker. I regret it because I think I would have been able to control the crowd better if I had the loudspeaker."

The news anchor comforted the policeman and explained, "You should think that way and don't feel so sorry. We want to tell you that you did the best you could." 

At the end of the interview, the policeman explained that many bereaving families have sent him words of comfort, but he explained they are the ones going through a more difficult time. He shared, "Of course, if I say I am okay it would be a lie but I believe the bereaving families are going through a more difficult time than anyone... I know everyone knows who are the ones going through the most pain at this time... so I ask that everyone pray for them and comfort them sincerely."

At the end of the interview, the policeman shed tears, overcome by guilt, and apologized, saying, "I am sorry once again."