Golf Course Where Visitor Drowned in Pond Under Review as 'Major Civil Disaster'

119 paramedics are rescuing Mr. A who fell into the water.

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Kim Chunsu] The police are reportedly considering applying the Serious Accidents Punishment Act in relation to the incident where a golf course user drowned in a pond.

According to the Jeonnam Police Agency on the 9th, they plan to review whether this drowning incident qualifies as a serious public disaster and decide on applying charges such as violation of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act and involuntary manslaughter due to negligence. An internal investigation is underway to determine whether the business owner fulfilled their obligations to ensure safety and health.

Under current law, serious industrial accidents related to industrial disasters and occupational diseases are investigated by nine regional labor offices nationwide, while accidents involving civilians caused by defects in public facilities or public transportation are investigated by the police.

If a business owner fails to manage safety or take measures to prevent hazards at a construction site, resulting in the death of one or more civilians, they may face imprisonment of one year or more, or a fine of up to 1 billion KRW.

If the charge of serious public disaster is applied in this case, it is expected to be the first case since the law came into effect in January.

At 8:51 a.m. on the 27th of last month, Mr. A (52), who was playing golf at a golf course in Suncheon-si, Jeonnam, drowned in a 3-meter-deep pond (water hazard).

Mr. A is reported to have entered the pond to retrieve a ball that had fallen in while playing golf with three colleagues. The other players and the caddie moved by cart, and Mr. A went alone to the water's edge.

A police official stated, “Considering the importance of the case, the Jeonnam Police Agency’s Violent Crime Investigation Unit will conduct the investigation directly.”