The Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters will implement comprehensive fire prevention and safety management measures for 51 underground performance venues in the province.
The headquarters will first collaborate with the Performance Venue Safety Support Center to conduct fire drills that involve audience participation, such as experiencing blackout situations and familiarizing themselves with the locations of evacuation facilities. Applications for these drills will be accepted in advance through the Performance Venue Safety Support Center's website starting in May.
In addition, a consultative body will be formed with underground performance venue operators, and meetings will be held from June to October to share fire prevention and autonomous safety management measures tailored to the characteristics of each facility. The heads of local fire stations and relevant officials will visit the sites weekly to inspect for risk factors and provide safety guidance, such as ensuring the placement of fire extinguishers for small spaces.
Before performances begin, actors and staff will be encouraged to directly explain emergency procedures and the locations of emergency exits to the audience.
In particular, 27 venues identified as vulnerable among theaters, music, and performance venues have been designated as "priority fire safety management targets" and will undergo at least one fire drill and fire safety inspection per year.
The headquarters is also working to improve regulations by including underground performance venues as multi-use facilities.
Kim Jaebyung, head of the Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters, said, "Underground performance venues are at risk of mass casualties in the event of a fire due to structural limitations and legal blind spots," adding, "The purpose of these measures is to create a truly safe environment through the joint participation of local governments, venue operators, and residents of the province."
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