Minister Yoon Ho-joong: "Raising Public Awareness"
Special Countermeasures Period Set for October 24 to November 2
The government has decided to issue a "caution" level crowd crisis alert to prevent crowd-related accidents ahead of Halloween Day on October 31.
On October 21, Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-joong attended a Cabinet meeting presided over by President Lee Jaemyung at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul. He reported, "As a large number of people are expected to gather in areas such as Itaewon and Hongdae in Seoul around Halloween Day, meticulous safety management is necessary."
Minister Yoon further explained, "This is the first time a caution-level crisis alert has been issued due to crowd density at an event," adding, "This measure aims to raise public awareness and concentrate the capabilities of relevant agencies."
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety plans to implement a "Halloween Special Countermeasures Period" for ten days, from October 24 to November 2. During this period, the ministry and local governments will inspect 29 key management areas to ensure that safety measures are being properly enforced.
In particular, field situation management officers will be dispatched to 12 areas where large crowds are expected, including Itaewon, Hongdae, Seongsu-dong, Konkuk University area, Gangnam Station, Apgujeong, Myeong-dong, and Ikseon-dong in Seoul, as well as Seomyeon in Busan and Dongseong-ro in Daegu.
At the "Halloween Crowd Safety Countermeasures Meeting" held on this day, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety emphasized the need to operate an emergency response system centered on local governments and deputy heads, strengthen on-site monitoring in key management areas, and enhance cooperation among agencies.
Minister Yoon stated, "As the minister, I will also personally visit the sites to oversee the situation," adding, "We will actively inform the public through disaster broadcasts and other means to ensure there are no shortcomings in public communication."
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