Clubs Voluntarily Close One After Another... Some Continue Operating

Most Famous Clubs in Seoul Voluntarily Close
Some Continue Operating... Concerns Over Balloon Effect

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] As social distancing measures were raised to level 1.5, famous clubs in the Seoul area have once again voluntarily closed one after another. Starting this weekend, most clubs will close, making the club scene somewhat quieter than usual. However, some clubs have decided to continue operating.

As of the 21st, most famous clubs near Gangnam, Itaewon, and Hongdae have voluntarily closed. Some clubs have posted notices on social networking services (SNS) stating they will be "temporarily closed" for the time being. Although no specific period for closure has been set, it is highly likely that the closure will be maintained until the distancing level is lowered from the current level 1.5. If the distancing level is raised to level 2, all clubs must close.

On the 19th, as the distancing level was raised to 1.5, strengthened quarantine measures were applied according to the type of facility. Clubs, classified as intensive management facilities and entertainment establishments, are limited to one person per 4㎡ of facility area. Dancing inside clubs and moving between seats are also prohibited. Since dancing and drinking are the main purposes of clubs, this effectively means they cannot operate.

On the other hand, some clubs are continuing to operate despite these circumstances. While most clubs closed on the previous Friday night, some famous clubs in the Gangnam area remained open and operated normally. According to visitors to these clubs, crowds did not gather there, but quarantine rules such as the ban on dancing were not properly observed. A club in the Gyeonggi area distributed promotional materials stating, "We will operate normally throughout this week," in direct contrast to the closure notices issued by clubs in Seoul.

Concerns have also been raised about a balloon effect, where young people flock to other types of establishments such as 'lounge bars' or 'hunting pocha' that are not classified as entertainment venues. In fact, many lounge bars are still operating. In club-related communities, movements have been observed where people are looking for alternative places to clubs, expected to be less strictly regulated.

Meanwhile, the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in South Korea shows no signs of slowing down. The Central Disease Control Headquarters announced that as of midnight, 386 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed, bringing the total to 30,403. This is an increase of 23 cases compared to the previous day’s 363, marking the highest number in 86 days since August 27 (441 cases). If this trend continues, the distancing level may be raised again to level 2.