Park Won-soon "Ban on rallies at Gwanghwamun, Seoul, and Cheonggye Plaza... Closure of 4 Shincheonji churches in the city" (Comprehensive)

Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon held an emergency briefing at the Seoul City Hall briefing room on the 21st to announce measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Osangdo] Park Won-soon, Mayor of Seoul, announced on the 21st that to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), assemblies will be simultaneously banned at the three major plazas: Gwanghwamun Plaza, Seoul Plaza, and Cheonggye Plaza. He also stated that four Seoul worship sites of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, where multiple COVID-19 cases have been confirmed, will be temporarily closed.

Mayor Park held an emergency press conference at the Seoul City Hall briefing room that morning to announce these measures.

He said, "This is a measure to protect the elderly who are vulnerable to infectious diseases," adding, "Large-scale assemblies have been continuously held around Gwanghwamun Plaza every week, raising concerns about infection among elderly participants."

Seoul City explained that the ban on the use of Seoul Plaza, Cheonggye Plaza, and Gwanghwamun Plaza is based on Article 49, Paragraph 1 of the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act. This law stipulates that assemblies in urban areas can be restricted to prevent infectious diseases. Violations may result in fines of up to 3 million won per individual.

Mayor Park emphasized, "Some groups may insist on holding assemblies," and added, "Since extraordinary measures are necessary, the city will notify groups planning large-scale assemblies of the ban starting today and will also request cooperation from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency."

He also announced the plan to temporarily close the Shincheonji Church, which has been identified as a vector for community infection. He said, "Extraordinary measures are needed for Shincheonji Church worship services or assemblies, which are close-contact spaces," and added, "Starting today, we will close Shincheonji churches located in Seoul." The targets are four churches operating as missionary offices in Yeongdeungpo, Seodaemun, Nowon, and Gangseo districts.

Mayor Park stated, "This is based on Article 47 of the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act," and explained, "After Seoul City conducts disinfection and sanitation, church activities will be permitted again once safety is confirmed and normal worship activities can resume."

To prevent the spread of infectious diseases, he also announced the temporary closure of 3,467 social welfare facilities, including senior welfare centers and comprehensive social welfare centers, starting today. Previously, Seoul City had recommended temporary closures of senior centers and similar facilities to autonomous districts.

Mayor Park said, "To block the early spread of COVID-19 in the community, Seoul City will mobilize administrative power and do its best," and requested, "Citizens, please trust the government and Seoul City and follow the behavioral guidelines for infectious disease prevention."