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Korea offers condolences over Russian concert shooting

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Fire rises above the burning Crocus City Hall concert venue in Krasnogorsk, outside Moscow, Russia, following a shooting, March 22. A group of up to five gunmen attacked the hall, according to Russian emergency services. At least 60 people were killed and more that 100 injured in the terrorist attack, the Russian intelligence service FSB said. EPA-Yonhap

Fire rises above the burning Crocus City Hall concert venue in Krasnogorsk, outside Moscow, Russia, following a shooting, March 22. A group of up to five gunmen attacked the hall, according to Russian emergency services. At least 60 people were killed and more that 100 injured in the terrorist attack, the Russian intelligence service FSB said. EPA-Yonhap

Korea on Saturday expressed condolences to the victims and their families of a tragic shooting attack at a concert venue in Moscow, which resulted in the loss of more than 140 lives.

Gunmen opened fire at the venue in the Russian capital Friday, reportedly leading to at least 143 fatalities and other injuries, with the Islamic State group claiming responsibility. The death toll is expected to growth further.

"We stand in solidarity with the people of Russia in their sorrow," the foreign ministry said in a press release, expressing hope for the perpetrators to be brought to light through a swift investigation.

Flowers at a makeshift memorial for the victims of the Crocus City Hall terrorist attack are seen March 23. The previous day, unidentified gunmen opened fire before the start of a concert at the hall in Krasnogorsk near Moscow, and set off explosives that started a massive fire in the building. The Russian Investigative Committee reported over 60 people dead and more than 100 wounded. The Islamic State (banned in Russia) claimed responsibility for the attack. TASS-Yonhap

Flowers at a makeshift memorial for the victims of the Crocus City Hall terrorist attack are seen March 23. The previous day, unidentified gunmen opened fire before the start of a concert at the hall in Krasnogorsk near Moscow, and set off explosives that started a massive fire in the building. The Russian Investigative Committee reported over 60 people dead and more than 100 wounded. The Islamic State (banned in Russia) claimed responsibility for the attack. TASS-Yonhap

Meanwhile, the Korean Embassy in Russia said earlier that no injuries or fatalities among Koreans have been reported from the attack.

"Through local media reports and Korean community organizations, we are assessing whether any of our citizens have been affected," the embassy said.

The embassy also added that they will continue to monitor the situation regarding Korean casualties and a safety advisory notice has been sent out to members of the Korean community urging caution.

As of last year, an estimated 3,600 Koreans are believed to reside in Russia. (Yonhap)