Oh Se-hoon: "Joint Investigation of 50 Crowded Areas Including Hongdae and Gangnam... Strict Measures Against Illegal Buildings"

Mayor Oh Announces at Seoul City and District Mayors' Council... Park Hee-young, Yongsan District Mayor, Absent

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon announced plans to conduct a joint public-private investigation targeting 50 locations in Seoul where crowds gather densely. Mayor Oh urged district heads to actively manage crowds and take strict action against illegal buildings.

On the 9th, Mayor Oh attended the Seoul District Heads Council meeting held that morning to discuss follow-up measures after the Itaewon tragedy. In his opening remarks, he mentioned large-scale events attracting massive crowds such as the Qatar World Cup and Christmas, stating, "We will prioritize safety and address hazards and illegal buildings that hinder pedestrian environments in cooperation with the districts."

Accordingly, Mayor Oh decided to conduct a comprehensive joint investigation with the private sector on 50 crowded areas including Hongdae and Gangnam Station, as well as performance venues and stadiums. Regarding illegal buildings like the Hamilton Hotel, which has been identified as one of the causes of the Itaewon tragedy, he said, "Please take strict measures such as thorough investigations and filing complaints against violating buildings," adding, "We will significantly increase the enforcement fines that were previously imposed only formally and introduce crowd management techniques utilizing advanced technology."

He also reiterated his deep sense of responsibility for the Itaewon tragedy. Mayor Oh stated, "Looking back with regret and sorrow, I believe that if necessary measures had been taken earlier, the precious lives of 156 people would not have been lost," emphasizing, "It is the responsibility of Seoul City and the districts to prepare measures to prevent such tragedies from happening again and to restore a safe daily life."

Meanwhile, 19 out of the 25 district heads attended the meeting. Park Hee-young, Yongsan District Mayor, who has been at the center of criticism for inadequate response, and Park Kang-soo, Mapo District Mayor, who opposed the selection of a candidate site for a municipal waste incineration plant, did not attend.