Goyang City Implements 'One Strike Out' Policy for Karaoke Rooms Violating Quarantine Rules and Illegal Activities

Criminal Charges and Business Closure for Severe Punishment... Policy to Seek Reimbursement

Photo related to COVID-19 infection at a singing practice room in Goyang City [Provided by Goyang City]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] Recently, due to the spread of COVID-19 infections related to singing practice rooms and similar facilities in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, local authorities issued an emergency administrative order banning gatherings at all singing practice rooms in the area. In addition, they announced a policy to implement a 'one strike out' rule for singing practice rooms violating quarantine rules and to take strong administrative measures against entertainment activities (so-called doumi services).

Goyang City stated, "From the 24th to the 27th, a total of 28 related confirmed cases were identified at 12 singing practice rooms within the region," and conveyed this information on the same day.

Considering the seriousness of the situation, apart from the gathering ban administrative order issued until July 2, the city plans to strictly crack down on entertainment activities known as 'doumi services,' which are suspected to have triggered the covert spread of COVID-19 within singing practice rooms.

Furthermore, singing practice rooms violating quarantine rules will be subject to a 'zero tolerance' policy, including fines and a 14-day business closure (gathering ban administrative order), applying the 'one strike out' system.

Also, if caught hiring or mediating entertainers, violators will be reported under Article 22, Paragraph 1 of the Music Industry Promotion Act, and upon the third offense, business closure will be enforced.

In particular, illegal entertainment activities and quarantine violations will result in 'one strike out' measures, including business closure and claims for damages.

Mayor Lee Jae-jun emphasized, "This is the golden time to swiftly eliminate all sources confirmed as COVID-19 infection origins. We will mobilize all available administrative power, including joint crackdowns with the police on singing practice rooms, to strictly enforce quarantine rules and eradicate illegal activities."