Halloween Day Focused Inspections in Itaewon, Hongdae, and Gangnam
Some Seoul Clubs Self-Close on Halloween Due to 'One-Strike Out' Policy
Some Opt for Party Rooms or Pubs Instead
Experts Urge Young People to Stay Vigilant Against COVID-19
The Itaewon street in Yongsan-gu, Seoul was quiet five days before Halloween Day on the 26th. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] "Are there any clubs open on Halloween day?"
On the eve of Halloween, as some urban clubs in Seoul's Itaewon and other areas decided to close voluntarily due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19, it is expected that some citizens will turn to emotional pubs, hunting pochas, and the like instead of clubs, raising concerns about a 'balloon effect.'
In particular, there are growing concerns as some people are even planning so-called 'club expeditions' to other regions. Experts emphasize the need for young people to maintain awareness of COVID-19 risks.
Earlier, the Central Disease Control Headquarters announced that on Halloween day, from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. the next day, they would conduct intensive inspections of entertainment facilities in areas such as Itaewon, Hongdae, Konkuk University Station, Gangnam Station, Gyodae Station, Sinchon Station, Bupyeong in Incheon, and Seomyeon in Busan to ensure proper compliance with quarantine rules.
Accordingly, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the National Police Agency formed joint inspection teams to check for violations of key quarantine rules such as entry log creation, mask-wearing, and social distancing, and if violations are found, they will immediately apply the expulsion system (one-strike-out policy) and impose assembly bans or file charges.
As a result, some well-known clubs have decided to close voluntarily. This appears to be a measure taken in response to the authorities' crackdown warnings and citizens' concerns about a possible 'second Itaewon incident.'
On the 29th, two days before Halloween Day, the streets of Itaewon in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, are seen quiet. [Image source=Yonhap News]
A large club in Gangnam, Seoul, also announced, "After consultation with Seocho-gu, prioritizing the safety of our customers and the well-being of Seoul, we have decided to voluntarily close during the upcoming Halloween period to minimize concerns from quarantine authorities."
However, despite the clubs' voluntary closures, concerns are raised as some young people are expected to turn to pubs, party rooms, hunting pochas, and the like during Halloween.
Party rooms in central Seoul areas such as Hongik University are already fully booked. In particular, party rooms near Itaewon Station on Subway Line 6, as well as nearby areas like Sookmyung Women's University Station, Namsan, and Gyeongbokgung Station, are mostly reserved.
Kim (25), a university student, said, "I tried to book a party room to hang out comfortably with friends on Halloween day, but all the places we wanted were fully booked. In the end, we will probably have to go to a bar. I'm worried about COVID-19, but since no one I know has been infected, I'm not too concerned."
On the 27th, a member of an online community for clubs and emotional pubs left a comment stating that they would go to clubs in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, instead of the clubs in downtown Seoul that decided to close temporarily. Photo by Online Community Capture.
In particular, some netizens are not only introducing alternative facilities such as emotional pubs to replace clubs on online communities but also showing movements to go on expeditions to regions like Suwon and Seongnam in Gyeonggi Province where clubs are open, increasing citizens' concerns.
One netizen commented on a club-related community, "I expected clubs to be closed on Halloween. I'm going to a club in Suwon. It's nice because it's in the provinces." Other netizens also posted comments like "Let's wear masks and go out on Halloween," and "We should behave from next year," showing their determination to go out on Halloween day.
As a result, voices expressing concern about the resurgence of COVID-19 are growing. Even if clubs close, it is impossible to prevent crowds from gathering at pubs and other places, and there is also concern that outdoor 'costume play' events may overlap. Every year on Halloween day, citizens wearing unique costumes used to stroll around Itaewon or Hongdae streets.
On the 29th, two days before Halloween Day, officials from the Itaewon Residents' Autonomy Committee and residents are conducting disinfection work on Itaewon Street in Yongsan-gu, Seoul to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). [Image source=Yonhap News]
Office worker Kim (27) said, "Every year on Halloween day, crowds gathered everywhere in Seoul. Even if clubs close this year, bars and restaurants won't be shut down, so I think people will gather there. Also, even if clubs in Itaewon close, the streets can't be fully controlled. Some people in unique costumes might deliberately stay on the streets to show off their outfits," expressing concern.
Amid growing anxiety about the spread of infections on Halloween day, a petition was posted on the Blue House's national petition site requesting a complete ban on gatherings during this period.
On the 12th, a petition titled "Please crack down on clubs and entertainment facilities on Halloween day, October 31" was posted, with the author requesting, "Since restrictions and COVID-19 measures have been applied during holidays and major events, please also restrict clubs, entertainment facilities, and parties near Itaewon, Hongdae, and Gangnam during Halloween." As of 10:30 a.m. on the 30th, the petition had gathered over 1,250 signatures.
Experts warn that even if clubs close on Halloween day, there is a possibility that people will gather at other places such as pubs, which could lead to cluster infections.
Professor Kim Woo-joo of Korea University Guro Hospital analyzed, "Closing clubs on Halloween does not guarantee that young people won't gather at pubs or other places. Young people tend to be less cautious than older generations. Especially in Korea, there have been no deaths among those under 20 due to COVID-19, so their vigilance is even lower."
He added, "However, if young people get infected with COVID-19, their family members living with them can also be infected, so caution is necessary. Even now, COVID-19 infections through family gatherings continue. We must be careful to prevent one infection from leading to 'Nth infections.'"
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