Activision Agrees to Remove Itaewon Crowd Crush Footage from Call of Duty After Outcry

Key points

• Activision confirmed it will remove the real-life footage of the 2022 Itaewon crowd crush from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 in its next update.
• The footage, which included scenes of CPR and body bags, was used in the game's opening cinematic to depict civilian casualties during a fictional North Korean attack.
• The 2022 Itaewon tragedy in Seoul killed 158 people, with two additional victims recognized later, making it one of South Korea's worst mass casualty events.
• Bereaved families and civic groups, including the 10.29 Itaewon Disaster Bereaved Families Association, demanded the removal, stating the use of the footage was 'senseless' and caused ongoing trauma.
• Activision stated it had no intention to reference or trivialize the real-world tragedy, but the company has not issued a direct apology to the bereaved families.
• The game, which features a North Korean invasion of South Korea, had already faced political controversy and topped South Korea's Steam sales chart despite the backlash.

Background

This controversy is part of a broader pattern of criticism surrounding Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, which launched on October 23, 2026. The game has faced scrutiny for its fictional North Korean invasion setting, which some critics view as promoting pro-military narratives, and for its commercial performance, which has seen lower concurrent player counts compared to previous titles despite critical acclaim for its technical polish. The use of real footage from the 2022 Itaewon crowd crush, which occurred four years ago, has intensified the backlash, particularly as South Korea marks the fourth anniversary of the disaster. The game's setting in a fictional South Korean city, Hajin, and its depiction of a North Korean attack have also drawn comparisons to real geopolitical tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

How outlets are covering it

The New York Times and The Guardian both highlight the use of real footage from the 2022 Itaewon crowd crush in the game's opening cinematic, emphasizing the backlash from bereaved families and civic groups. The BBC adds that Activision has confirmed the footage will be removed in the game's next update, while noting that the bereaved families have not received a direct apology. The Korean source, news.sbs.co.kr, provides additional detail on the specific footage used, including a three-second clip of CPR, and quotes the bereaved families' statement calling the use 'senseless.' All sources agree on the core facts but differ in emphasis: The New York Times and The Guardian focus on the ethical and emotional impact, while the BBC and the Korean source provide more detail on the removal decision and the specific footage used. The Korean source also notes the Korean Game Consumers Association's call for a clear explanation and apology, while also cautioning against expanding the controversy into demands for censorship.

Why it matters

The controversy highlights the ethical boundaries of using real-world tragedy in entertainment media, particularly in a game that depicts a fictional conflict between North and South Korea. The backlash from bereaved families and civic groups underscores the ongoing trauma and sensitivity surrounding the 2022 Itaewon crowd crush, which remains a significant event in South Korean history. The decision to remove the footage reflects Activision's response to public pressure and the potential reputational damage from the controversy. The incident also raises broader questions about the use of real footage in video games and the responsibility of game developers to handle sensitive material with care, especially when it involves real victims and their families.

What to watch

Activision is expected to release an update to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 that removes the controversial footage of the Itaewon crowd crush. The bereaved families and civic groups will likely monitor the update to ensure the footage is fully removed and may continue to press for a direct apology from Activision. The game's commercial performance and player reception may be affected by the controversy, particularly in South Korea, where the game had topped sales charts. The incident may also lead to increased scrutiny of the use of real footage in video games and the ethical implications of depicting real-world tragedies in fictional contexts.