"Precision Safety Inspection Not a Mandatory Requirement...
Decision to Reopen Lies with Local Government"
Claim of 'Six Months Needed' Also Refuted...
"Possible Within 22 to 55 Days Depending on Manpower"
NC to Use Munsu Baseball Stadium as Alternative Home...
Home Games Resume from the 16th
Amid ongoing controversy over whether Changwon NC Park, a professional baseball stadium, will be able to reopen within the year due to a precision safety inspection by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the ministry stated on May 9, "The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport does not have the legal authority to restrict the use of the baseball stadium. The authority to restrict use, if necessary, lies with the facility's management entity or the mayor, county governor, or district head." The ministry added, "Regardless of the precision safety inspection, the decision to reopen should be made by Changwon City, Changwon Facilities Corporation, and the NC Dinos club."
On the same day, the ministry also said, "Reports claiming that reopening is only possible after the results of the precision safety inspection are reported to and approved by the Facility Accident Investigation Committee (SAJOI), and that the inspection will take at least six months, are not true." The ministry further explained, "SAJOI is an investigative body for determining the cause of accidents; the authority to approve reopening rests with the local government, and the ministry has never required the completion of a precision safety inspection as a condition for reopening." This statement refutes claims that reopening within the year is virtually impossible due to the precision safety inspection, and that the commercial area around the stadium will be devastated as a result.
The ministry instructed Changwon City to conduct an emergency safety inspection on April 3, in accordance with the Special Act on the Safety and Maintenance of Facilities. The inspection, which took place from April 4 to 22, identified supplementary issues such as insufficient exterior inspections, material testing, and sample unit checks. The ministry recommended "a thorough inspection using equipment for critical areas requiring immediate reinforcement, such as the steel structure of the spectator stands." Regarding the duration of the precision safety inspection, the ministry added, "It is also incorrect to say that it would take at least six months; with four personnel working on business days, it can be completed in 55 days, and with ten personnel, in 22 days."
The structural accident at Changwon NC Park occurred on March 29, when an exterior attachment (louver) fell, resulting in three casualties. One person died and two others were injured due to the falling structure. At the end of last month, Changwon City completed the removal of all louver exterior materials and implemented emergency reinforcement measures. With the use of the home stadium postponed and only away games being played, the NC Dinos selected Ulsan Munsu Baseball Stadium as their alternative home field to maintain stable player performance and operational continuity in the KBO League. Having received approval from the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), the club will play home games at Munsu Baseball Stadium starting with the game against the Kiwoom Heroes on the 16th. Munsu Baseball Stadium has previously served as the secondary stadium for the Lotte Giants.
Meanwhile, the ministry announced plans to distribute an exterior attachment inspection guide to all 13 professional baseball stadiums nationwide, supporting each club and local government to promptly complete self-inspections. The ministry stated, "We will do our utmost to ensure thorough safety at baseball stadium facilities in this era of ten million professional baseball fans."
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