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ABC News
ABC News
National

Second Australian victim of Seoul Halloween crush Justina Cho remembered as a 'free-spirited soul'

The second Australian who died in the Halloween crowd crush in South Korea's capital last month has been remembered as a "loving, caring, wise, creative, expressive, gentle, and free-spirited soul" by her family. 

The ABC has confirmed the person is Justina Cho, who lived in Sydney.

Her sister, Julia Cho, posted a tribute on Instagram describing Justina as her "best friend and second mother." 

"She had only been in Korea for a little over 3 months," Julia wrote. 

"She had already started working on the foundations of her fashion label with one of her closest friends.

"In this new chapter of her life she had met new friends, found new inspiration, honoured her innate creativity, and really challenged herself to grow."

Julia said she and a friend would do their very best to fulfil her sister's dreams through her fashion label in her memory. 

"We know she is so deeply loved by so many people and it shows just how big her heart was," she said. 

"She will always be remembered as the loving, caring, wise, creative, expressive, gentle, and free-spirited soul she is."

Julia said her sister died peacefully on November 13, surrounded by family. 

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was providing consular assistance to the family of a person who died in Seoul from injuries sustained in the incident.

"We send our condolences to the family," a spokesperson said.

"Owing to our privacy obligations, we are unable to provide further comment."

Sydney woman Grace Rached was previously confirmed as the first Australian victim.

The 23-year-old was among about 100,000 people who had gathered in Seoul's Itaewon district to celebrate Halloween on October 29.

People had flocked to the area known for its trendy bars and restaurants for what was to be the largest outdoor Halloween celebrations since the COVID-19 pandemic.

At about 10:20pm local time, a surge of people led to thousands being trapped in narrow, sloping alleyways.

One survivor told the ABC people toppled over "like dominoes" after being pushed by others.

More than 150 people have since died, while dozens were hospitalised with serious injuries.

Ms Rached's family released a statement on October 31 saying they missed "our gorgeous angel Grace, who lit up a room with her infectious smile".

"Grace always made others feel important and her kindness left an impression on everyone she ever met," they wrote.

"Grace always cared about others and she was loved by all."

South Korea authorities are continuing to investigate the exact cause of the tragedy.

President Yoon Suk-yeol declared a period of national mourning for the country's worst disaster in years.

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