Dongducheon-si, Special Crackdown on Karaoke Rooms for 'Alcohol Sales and Hiring Hostesses'

"Strict Enforcement of Quarantine Rules and Severe Punishment for Illegal Activities"

Photo by Kim Hyunmin

[Asia Economy Reporter La Young-cheol] Dongducheon City in Gyeonggi Province will conduct special crackdowns on illegal operations of karaoke rooms in the city starting from the 18th, following adjustments to social distancing measures.

The city stated, "With the extension of the ban on gatherings at entertainment facilities in the metropolitan area, it is expected that users of entertainment facilities will concentrate in karaoke rooms," explaining the reason for the crackdown.

According to current law, if alcoholic beverages are sold or provided at karaoke rooms, a first violation results in a 10-day suspension of business, and a fourth violation leads to administrative closure of the business.

If hostesses are hired or arranged, a first violation results in a one-month suspension of business, and a third violation leads to business closure.

Earlier, the city, in cooperation with the local police station last month, cracked down on illegal activities at karaoke rooms and detected a total of two cases of alcohol sales and smuggling.

The city plans to strictly punish illegal activities at karaoke rooms, such as violations of COVID-19 quarantine rules, smuggling and selling alcohol, and hiring hostesses, with a zero-tolerance policy.