Oh Sehoon Orders Enhanced Citizen Safety Measures During Election Period Following Subway Arson Incident

Inspection of Fire Safety Facilities at Major Subway Stations

Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon issued an emergency directive to relevant departments to strengthen citizen safety measures during the remaining election period in response to the subway arson fire that occurred on May 31.

On this day, Mayor Oh stated, "Strengthen citizen safety activities in areas with large crowds due to election campaigns, as well as at various festivals and event venues."

He also instructed, "Reinforce surveillance of all multi-use facilities managed by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and its affiliated organizations, as well as subway facilities such as trains in operation. Activate comprehensive safety measures, including expanded CCTV monitoring."

The city plans to establish an organic cooperation system with relevant agencies, reorganize the emergency response system, and strengthen safety activities, focusing on major facilities frequently used by citizens and election campaign sites.

Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon is attending the '100 Days of Regulatory Removal Performance Report Meeting' held at Seoul City Hall on the 7th and delivering a greeting. 2025.05.07 Photo by Yoon Dongju

First, a special inspection team led by the Seoul Disaster and Safety Office will be formed to begin intensive inspections of major facilities. Until election day on June 3, joint inspections will be conducted with Seoul Metro and the fire department at major congested subway stations to check fire safety facilities and prevent crowd-related accidents.

To prevent copycat crimes and similar incidents, special security patrols will be conducted in cooperation with the police and other relevant agencies at all subway stations and trains managed by Seoul Metro. Thorough safety management will also be implemented at major festivals, event venues, and sports facilities where large crowds are expected.

Since March 28, the city has designated the period until June 1 as the "Special Countermeasures Period for Spring Regional Festivals." During this period, it has been working with district offices, the fire department, and the police to meticulously review and supplement safety management plans established by event organizers through detailed pre-inspections.

In April, the city reviewed and supplemented safety management plans for three events, including the Lotus Lantern Festival, and in May, for the Syuemsyuem Hangang Three Festivals. It also conducted on-site compliance inspections for four events in April, including the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival, and nine events in May, including the DDP Spring Festival.

A city official stated, "In the event of a safety accident, we will thoroughly prepare to ensure rapid information sharing and response by activating an emergency contact system centered on the Disaster and Safety Situation Room in cooperation with district offices, the fire department, and the police."