Victim: "Dangerous Equipment Unfit for Performances... No Safety Training Provided"
During a water festival held last summer in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, a university student performer suffered serious injuries to his face and other areas after being struck by a water gun (high-pressure washer). The student has filed a criminal complaint against Ansan City, the Ansan Cultural Foundation, and related performance company officials, prompting a police investigation.
According to Yonhap News on October 24, the incident occurred on August 15 during the 'Ansan Summer Festa 2025 Water Festival Yeoreumio,' which was hosted by Ansan City and the Ansan Cultural Foundation at Ansan Culture Plaza and the Gwangdeok-daero area.
At 6 p.m. that day, five performers, including student A from a university music club in the city, were on stage. While A was singing with a microphone, someone who appeared to be a stage staff member brought a water gun onto the stage.
Subsequently, another performer, B, used the water gun to spray water toward the audience while moving around. In the process, the water gun was suddenly directed at A's face. Startled, A quickly turned his head, but was struck by the powerful stream of water, causing his face to bleed. He immediately left the stage and was taken to the emergency room at Korea University Ansan Hospital for treatment.
Heavy Bleeding from a Single Shot... 50 cm Facial Laceration
A suffered a 10 cm abrasion on the back of his left hand, and a 40 to 50 cm abrasion running from the left side of his lips, past his ear, to the top of his head. The area behind his ear was also lacerated by about 2.5 to 3 cm, requiring sutures at the hospital emergency room. Afterwards, he received dermatological treatment for his face and hand, but was diagnosed by the hospital as potentially being left with scars, and is currently receiving outpatient care.
A and his family have filed a complaint with the Ansan Danwon Police Station against two Ansan Cultural Foundation employees, one Ansan City official, and five individuals from the water festival event contractor and special effects contractor, on charges of occupational negligence resulting in injury and violation of the Performance Act.
Organizers Say "Accidental Incident... Victim Was Immediately Taken to Hospital"
The Ansan Cultural Foundation stated, "The accident happened unexpectedly during the performance. We considered the situation serious and immediately took the victim to the hospital for treatment." They added, "The victim has refused insurance settlement and has filed a complaint against us, which has put us in a difficult situation." Police are currently investigating both the complainants and the accused.
Meanwhile, the victim's family also reported performer B, who fired the water gun, for occupational negligence resulting in injury. However, police decided not to prosecute, citing the fact that the water gun was substituted for a water pistol during the performance and that B had not received safety training and could not have foreseen the risks.
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