"Welcome from Middle School Grade 2 to High School Grade 3"... 'Legal Claim' Gimpo Youth Club Suspended for 2 Months

Caught Promoting by Posting Dance Videos on SNS
Local Government "In Process of Business Suspension"... Police Also Forward Owner

The illegal operation of a youth club in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province, which claimed to be legal and continued business until dawn, has been confirmed, resulting in a business suspension order.

On the 9th, Gimpo City announced that it is taking steps to impose a two-month business suspension on Club A in Gurae-dong, which was operated for youths from middle school 2nd grade to high school 3rd grade.

Promotional video of the business posted on SNS. [Video captured from Instagram]

Club A operated from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. on weekdays starting April 16, targeting teenage youths, and installed special lighting and sound facilities to encourage customers to dance.

The establishment is registered as a general restaurant, but according to the Enforcement Rules of the Food Sanitation Act, general restaurant operators are not allowed to have sound facilities that permit customers to dance.

The police conducted joint crackdowns with local governments, confirmed the illegal activities, and booked the owner, a man in his 20s, without detention on charges of violating the Food Sanitation Act, then sent him to the prosecution on the 7th.

Previously, the establishment hung a banner stating "Crazy Tension ○○ Youth Club Open, Admission Allowed for Middle School 2nd Grade to High School 3rd Grade," and posted promotional messages on social media saying, "Open from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m., extension possible," and "Most are restricted after 10 p.m., which was disappointing for many. Now come to our ○○ and enjoy exciting EDM."

Also, a video was posted showing customers dancing under lights to the DJ's music with the phrase "Youth Club Open."

A representative of the establishment claimed legal operation, saying, "We do not sell alcohol, and police officers checked the hall, kitchen, and business registration certificate and found no issues," while acknowledging that videos of customers dancing were posted on social media.

A Gimpo City official stated, "After confirming the site, illegal business activities were verified, and we are currently taking steps to impose a business suspension. We plan to proceed with administrative action after a period for submitting opinions from the establishment."

Netizens reacted with comments such as "I couldn't believe my eyes when I heard it was a youth club," and "I don't understand how our country allows a youth-only club operating until dawn."