[Comprehensive] "Set off fireworks at Koreans" Foreigners causing chaos by setting off fireworks in Busan Haeundae

Foreigners Set Off Dozens of Fireworks in Busan Haeundae on US Independence Day, Causing Disturbance
One US Soldier Fled Police but Returned After Voluntary Accompaniment
Many Foreigners Also Violated Quarantine Rules at Beach
Residents' Reports Lead to Joint Crackdown by Haeundae District and Police

Foreigners Setting Off Fireworks in Haeundae Downtown

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] On the 4th, coinciding with the US Independence Day, dozens of fireworks were set off by foreigners presumed to be Americans in Haeundae, Busan, sparking controversy.

In particular, despite citizens wearing masks due to the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), some foreigners were seen walking around without masks, raising concerns about infection risks.

Some foreigners recklessly launched small fireworks into the sky above buildings, creating a fearful atmosphere and causing extreme noise, and even set off fireworks aimed at citizens. The fireworks continued for more than two hours that day, with over 70 resident complaints received.

According to Busan Police Agency and Haeundae District Office, around 7 p.m. that day, there were consecutive reports of foreigners setting off fireworks near Gunam-ro, close to Haeundae Beach, causing safety concerns.

Foreigners causing a disturbance by setting off fireworks in Haeundae, Busan. Photo by KBS Capture

According to citizens who witnessed the scene that day, foreigners recklessly launched fireworks into the sky in the bustling area lined with buildings. Some even set off fireworks aimed at citizens. Especially, some foreigners were not wearing masks, increasing anxiety about COVID-19 infection.

Citizens who heard the news expressed outrage. A 30-year-old office worker, Mr. A, said, "In our country, wearing masks has become almost routine, so it is really infuriating that foreigners neither wear masks nor refrain from causing such commotion."

Another office worker in his 40s, Mr. B, lamented, "If COVID spreads in Busan, will they take responsibility? It's just absurd."

One citizen explained the situation in an interview with 'JTBC Newsroom,' saying, "I heard they were Americans, and suddenly one person set off fireworks, then everyone followed in succession." He added, "They even tried to set off fireworks near people's faces."

Haeundae District Office presumed that most of the foreigners were US military personnel on leave for the US Independence Day. Despite police attempts to stop them, they freely set off fireworks.

According to media reports, the police dispatched six patrol cars and one detective team to the scene, issued warning broadcasts, and tried to disperse the crowd. However, some continued to set off fireworks.

During this process, one US soldier in his 20s who ignored police orders, set off fireworks aimed at citizens, and fled was apprehended by the police.

The police took the soldier to a nearby police station, informed him of charges under the Minor Offenses Act (causing anxiety), and then released him. Other foreigners present at the scene voluntarily dispersed.

On the afternoon of the 5th, officials from Busan City and Haeundae District are conducting a COVID-19 social distancing campaign targeting foreigners at Haeundae Beach in Haeundae-gu, Busan. [Image source=Yonhap News]

The day before, there was also a report of foreigners setting off fireworks from the window of a high-rise residence near Haeundae Beach.

Many foreigners visited Haeundae Beach, but most did not follow quarantine rules. Haeundae District Office broadcasted social distancing guidelines every hour and deployed interpretation assistants to conduct guidance activities.

They distributed 2,000 masks as promotional materials to foreigners not wearing masks, urging compliance with quarantine rules.