Despite Repeated Warnings, Only Blame-Shifting Continues
Authorities Turn a Blind Eye to Safety Concerns...
Criticism Mounts Over Complacent Administration
Despite a series of water-related accidents at beaches in the Jeju region over the past weekend, both Jeju Province and Jeju City have failed to present concrete response measures, stating only that they are "still in discussions regarding countermeasures."
It was fully predictable that large crowds could gather even before the peak season, yet no preemptive actions were taken. As a result, safety accidents have occurred, raising concerns about administrative negligence and a lack of accountability.
On the 7th, during the weekend, a large crowd gathered at the Sinheung-ri Beach in Jocheon-eup, Jeju City, due to the holiday. Tents were set up all along the beach and vehicles occupied the roads, but it was difficult to spot any safety personnel or officials managing order.
At the time, our newspaper reported from the scene, pointing out issues such as traffic congestion and the lack of safety management (see our June 7 article, "After saying they wouldn't go to Jeju... Crowds flock as it becomes a social media hotspot").
However, a week later on the 14th, a middle school student drowned while swimming at the nearby Hamdeok Beach. On the same weekend, two American teenagers, aged 14 and 16, also fell into the water at Jungmun Saekdal Beach in Seogwipo City, resulting in a series of accidents along the coast.
Even after these incidents, including a fatality following media reports, both Jeju Province and Jeju City have only issued general statements, saying they are "currently in discussions with relevant departments."
An official from Jeju City stated, "Before the official opening of the beaches, the Coast Guard is responsible for beach safety." However, the Coast Guard responded, "Preventive safety activities for beachgoers are not within our jurisdiction," indicating a lack of clear division of responsibilities among local authorities and an ongoing dispute over who is accountable.
These accidents occurred in a situation where a surge in vacationers was fully anticipated due to the holiday and hot weather. Nevertheless, administrative authorities delayed practical measures such as deploying safety personnel or preparing the site, citing the official opening date of the beaches as the reason.
Experts criticize that "regardless of whether the beaches are officially open, a safety management system should be in place from the moment large crowds start to gather," adding that "desk-bound administration that ignores on-site realities is being repeated."
Jeju Province is preparing for the official opening of the beaches in early July, but holiday and weekend crowds have already reached levels typical of the summer vacation season. Problems such as indiscriminate camping, illegal parking, and the absence of safety personnel are recurring every year.
Meanwhile, in the case of these recent accidents, the repeated inter-agency consultations without a clear responsible party highlight the structural limitations of administrative gaps. Given that there were prior warnings but no effective measures were implemented, Jeju Province's passive response and tendency to avoid responsibility are likely to draw criticism.
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