New Zealanders killed in Korean landslide named - 'tragedy beyond words'

August 5, 2020

Anna Song, 36, her two-year-old son, and mother Rose Kim died after the landslide hit their holiday home.

The three New Zealanders killed in a landslide in South Korea have been named.

They were 36-year-old Anna Song, her 2-year-old son Taeyang Rikiti and mother Rose Kim.

The trio died after the landslide hit their holiday home on Monday, north-east of the capital Seoul.

Video footage shows homes next door which narrowly escaped the slip.

At least 14 people are dead and more are missing in the wild weather.

The Kiwi community in the area are in shock, a man close to the family said.

Chairman of the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Korea Tony Garrett released a statement on behalf of his organisation, where he spoke of a "tragedy beyond words".

"We will miss you Anna, dear friend. You have been a longstanding friend and supporter of the Chamber, the Kiwi Alumni and New Zealand generally - involved in all activities to promote the New Zealand and Korea relationship."

"Beyond what Anna did with the Chamber, she was an incredibly committed mother and daughter. She left me breathless on how she managed to balance all she did," the statement said.

A Givealittle page has been established to help her brother travel to South Korea.

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