Seoul Tragedy Families Demand Activision Remove Real Footage From Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4
Families who lost loved ones in the Seoul Halloween crowd crush have called on Activision to remove real-life footage from the video game.
In a poignant call for respect, families who lost loved ones in the tragic Seoul Halloween crowd crush have demanded that Activision remove real-life footage from their game 'Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4'. This incident, which occurred in the bustling Itaewon district, left over 150 people dead, according to reports, though the exact number is disputed with some sources stating 158 initial deaths followed by two more later 3.
The bereaved families and civic groups expressed their dismay at the inclusion of the footage, feeling that it trivialized the tragedy. Activision, however, defended their decision, stating that the footage was used to set the scene for the game's fictional narrative rather than to directly reference or diminish the significance of the Itaewon disaster. The company's response has done little to assuage the grief-stricken community's concerns.
Over 100,000 people had gathered for the Halloween celebration in Itaewon, making it one of the largest such events in recent memory 14. The sheer scale of the gathering contributed to the tragic outcome, as the narrow streets and high density of revelers created dangerous conditions. The inclusion of this event in a popular video game has brought renewed attention to the heartbreaking loss experienced by so many families.
What we know
- - The video game 'Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4' includes footage from the Seoul crowd crush incident. 1234
- - The Seoul crush occurred in the Itaewon district during a Halloween celebration. 134
- - Bereaved families and civic groups expressed dismay at the use of the footage in the game. 134
- - Activision stated they used the footage to establish the game's fictional narrative and not to reference or trivialize the Itaewon disaster. 134
- - Over 100,000 people attended the Halloween celebration in Itaewon. 14
What remains unclear
- - The exact number of deaths in the Seoul crowd crush, with reports ranging from over 150 to 158 initial deaths followed by two more later. 3
Verification report
Likely accurate — probability of truth 76%, weighted across 8 claims from 4 independent outlets.
- confirmed The video game 'Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4' includes footage from a crowd crush incident. (97%)
- confirmed The Seoul crush occurred in the Itaewon district during a Halloween celebration. (94%)
- confirmed The bereaved families and civic groups expressed dismay at the use of the footage in the game. (94%)
- confirmed Activision stated they used the footage to establish the game's fictional narrative and not to reference or trivialize the Itaewon disaster. (94%)
- likely Over 150 people died in the crowd crush that occurred in South Korea. (84%)
- unverified Almost 160 people died in the 2022 Seoul Halloween crush disaster. (47%)
- disputed A total of 158 people were initially reported dead, with two additional deaths recognized later. (15%)
- confirmed Over 100,000 people attended the Halloween celebration in Itaewon. (85%)
Sources
- BBC Entertainment — Footage of Seoul crush to be removed from Call of Duty after backlash
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cr1ex26lgqlqo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss - The New York Times — “Call of Duty” Draws Fire for Using Footage of Crowd Crush
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/30/world/asia/call-of-duty-seoul-itaweon-crowd-crush.html - The Guardian — Outcry after Call of Duty maker uses real footage of deadly Seoul crowd crush in new video game
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/oct/29/call-of-duty-seoul-crowd-crush-video-footage - IGN — Families Who Lost Loved Ones in Seoul Halloween Crowd Crush Call on Activision to Pull Real Footage From Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4
https://www.ign.com/articles/families-who-lost-loved-ones-in-seoul-halloween-crowd-crush-call-on-activision-to-pull-real-footage-from-call-of-duty-modern-warfare-4