Hotel submitting partial list for 'No Mask Pool Party'... Gangneung City plans to file complaint

A pool party is taking place on the evening of the 31st of last month at a large hotel in Jumunjin-eup, Gangneung-si. / Photo by Gangneung-si

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Seohyun] A hotel in Gangneung that held a no-mask pool party in violation of COVID-19 quarantine rules is facing prosecution by the city.

According to Gangneung City on the 4th, the city cracked down on a scene where dozens of people were holding a pool party at a large hotel in Jumunjin-eup on the 31st of last month. The city subsequently issued a 10-day business suspension order to the hotel for violating the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act and imposed a fine of 1.5 million KRW.

Kim Hang-geun, mayor of Gangneung, stated, "They deceived the quarantine authorities," and announced plans to prosecute the party organizers and participants.

Earlier, after learning that three performances were scheduled at this hotel, Gangneung City visited the hotel on the morning of the 30th of last month and issued an administrative order prohibiting parties hosted by lodging facilities. Although the hotel responded that it would cancel the events, it violated the order and held a pool party with dozens of attendees.

When city officials attempted to inspect the swimming pool on the 15th floor of the hotel on the afternoon of the 31st, the hotel refused access, citing the need to protect the privacy of VIP customers. Subsequently, the city entered the hotel accompanied by the police to confirm the party scene.

Gangneung City sent an official letter to the hotel by the 4th requesting the names and addresses of those who participated in the pool party, but the hotel only provided a list of about 20 people, roughly half of the approximately 40 participants. As a result, Gangneung City decided to report the hotel to the police for obstruction of official duties.

Meanwhile, Mayor Kim also criticized the indifferent attitude of the hotel staff regarding the prosecution. He said, "I instructed that if the pool party list was not submitted by the 3rd, they should be immediately reported for obstruction of official duties," adding, "Since this is the first time that a hotel violating quarantine rules has been not only suspended but also prosecuted, the officials seem hesitant."

Currently, the hotel has notified the public that "all auxiliary facilities are unavailable due to government guidelines." However, since two corporations have registered lodging businesses in one building, the corporation not subject to the business suspension is still reportedly operating.