Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Investigates Kids Cafe Following Infant Death Incident

Inspection of Safety Management Practices at 400 Amusement Facilities Including Kids Cafes

On the 17th, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, together with the Korea Testing Laboratory for Machinery, Electrical and Electronics, will visit the Ansan kids cafe site where a recent child fatality occurred. They will conduct a thorough safety inspection of amusement equipment such as mini trains. On the 12th, a 3-year-old boy, A, who was playing on a mini train, suffered an accident when his left foot got caught in the rail while getting off the equipment. He was transported to Korea University Ansan Hospital but died due to excessive bleeding. The Ansan Sangnok Police Station has booked the kids cafe owner and a part-time worker on charges of professional negligence causing death and is investigating the circumstances of the accident.

Starting next month, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will inspect the safety management status of about 400 amusement facilities, including kids cafes. An official stated, "We will form a joint inspection team to check compliance with regulations and proceed with administrative measures if necessary." They will also address shortcomings in related laws. Based on discussions involving local governments, the Korea Amusement Facilities Association, and others, they plan to improve regulations related to the 'Tourism Promotion Act.'