[Asia Economy Reporter Gong Byung-sun] In the wake of the Itaewon disaster that claimed over 100 lives, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has decided to inspect illegal extensions in commercial areas densely populated with shops, such as Hongdae Entrance and Sinchon, as part of follow-up measures.
On the 3rd, Yoo Chang-soo, Director of the Seoul Housing Policy Office, stated during the administrative audit of the City Council's Housing and Space Committee, "Taking this disaster as an opportunity, we will check whether there are illegal extensions that hinder pedestrian traffic in commercial areas densely populated with shops, such as Hongdae Entrance, Sinchon university district, and Konkuk University Entrance."
He added, "We will actively identify cases of unauthorized extensions on lower floors to encourage voluntary demolition, impose enforcement fines, and if proper measures are not taken, we will also take actions such as filing complaints." According to Seoul City, there have been about 80,000 cases of illegal buildings in the city over the past five years, but only about 90 cases resulted in criminal prosecution.
Regarding the pink partition wall on the left side of the Hamilton Hotel in Itaewon, where the disaster occurred, he said, "We have requested Yongsan District to verify whether it encroaches on the road," and added, "We are re-investigating illegal buildings in the Itaewon-dong area. In cooperation with Yongsan District, we will guide the voluntary demolition of illegal buildings in alleys and take measures against illegal storage that obstructs passage."
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