[Itaewon Disaster] Changwon City Reduces Festival Scale and Enhances 'Safety'

Checking Whether Changwon Citizens Are Included in the Accident List

Gyeongnam Changwon Special City Hall. / Photo by Se-ryeong Lee ryeong@

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] “My heart aches deeply for all the bereaved families and injured who have lost their beloved family members and precious acquaintances.”

Hong Nampyo, Mayor of Changwon Special City, Gyeongnam, expressed condolences on the Itaewon incident in Seoul on the 30th.

He then instructed, “Identify whether there are any Changwon citizens among the deceased and injured in the disaster, and ensure safety at events and festivals held throughout the city.”

Mayor Hong first ordered urgent safety reinforcement measures at the Masan Chrysanthemum Festival site, which will be held from the 29th until November 9th.

He also called for mobilizing all administrative power to prevent citizen safety accidents.

At around 9:24 a.m. that day, the city sent an emergency disaster message to all citizens, urging them to secure safety by pre-inspecting building entrances, emergency exits, guidance facilities, and maintaining order.

He then attended an emergency meeting of city and county social disaster team leaders chaired by Choi Manrim, Deputy Governor of Gyeongnam Province, where they exchanged opinions on safety inspections of festivals and event venues and reducing the scale of events.

Urgent safety inspections were conducted at the Masan Chrysanthemum Festival and Changwon Dan-gam Festival sites, and through the Changwon branch of the Central Association of Entertainment Food Businesses, a request was made to refrain from Halloween events.

They are preparing for accidents by establishing a cooperative system with related organizations such as the police and fire departments for traffic control and emergency medical support.

Mayor Hong said, “Do your best to ensure the safety of citizens during various events and festivals held by the city,” and urged, “During the national mourning period, please reduce or postpone non-urgent events.”