S. Korean families urge Call of Duty to remove Itaewon disaster footage

South Korean families affected by the 2022 Itaewon crowd crush tragedy have called on video game publisher Activision to remove footage allegedly depicting the disaster from the latest installment of Call of Duty. The contested clip, which runs approximately three seconds, shows paramedics performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation on an injured individual at what bereaved relatives say is recognizable as the scene of the October 2022 incident that claimed 159 lives.

The families contend that the inclusion of the footage in the commercially released game constitutes a violation of the dignity of victims and their loved ones. Their campaign reflects broader sensitivity in South Korea surrounding the Itaewon incident, which occurred during Halloween celebrations in the capital's popular nightlife district and remains a significant national tragedy.

The request highlights ongoing tensions between entertainment media and public memory, particularly regarding how real-world disasters are depicted in digital entertainment products. Game publishers face increasing scrutiny over the sources and contexts of in-game imagery, particularly when such content depicts genuine human suffering.

Activision has not yet issued a formal response to the families' demands, though the controversy underscores growing awareness among gaming companies regarding the ethical implications of disaster-related content. The matter comes as South Korea continues to grapple with the legacy of Itaewon and efforts to prevent similar incidents.