SEOUL– An 18-member delegation of Japanese lawmakers, affiliated with the Japan-Korea Parliamentarians’ Union, was set to pay respect to victims of a deadly crowd crush in Itaewon upon their arrival here Wednesday afternoon.

Led by Fukushiro Nukaga, a member of Japan’s House of Representatives, the lawmakers were scheduled to visit a mourning altar at Seoul Plaza in front of City Hall upon their arrival at Gimpo International Airport.

Rep. Chung Jin-suk, leader of the ruling People Power Party, and Rep. Yun Ho-jung of the main opposition Democratic Party plan to accompany them to the visit.

Chung plans to host a welcome dinner for them later in the day.

Their three-day visit comes in line with the 50th anniversary of the union aimed at increasing parliamentary exchanges between the two countries.

On Thursday, the union plans to hold a general meeting bringing together members from both countries as well as South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and Japanese Ambassador to South Korea Koichi Aiboshi.

Source: Yonhap News Agency