'COVID-19 Cluster Infection' Police Officer Who Visited Itaewon Club... Police Say "No Symptoms"

Seoul Police Rapid Response Team Mobilizes 2,162 Members
Initiates Identification and Location Verification of Itaewon Visitors

On the 10th, when Seoul City issued a 'gathering ban order' for all entertainment facilities in Seoul following the COVID-19 cluster infection outbreak originating from Itaewon clubs, a gathering ban notice was posted at an Itaewon club in Seoul known to have been visited by confirmed cases. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] Amid the outbreak of a COVID-19 cluster infection at an Itaewon club in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, it has been confirmed that one of the visitors to the club was a police conscripted officer.

On the morning of the 11th, Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Commissioner Lee Yong-pyo stated at a press briefing, “There were no police officers among the visitors, but there was one conscripted police officer who was on leave,” adding, “He has not yet returned and said that he had visited the club.” He further added, “He is properly self-quarantining and will get tested. He has no symptoms.”

The police plan to verify the identities and whereabouts of those visitors to the Itaewon club who cannot be contacted, following a cooperation request from the Yongsan District Office. This will involve mobilizing the Seoul Police Agency’s COVID-19 Rapid Response Team, consisting of 2,162 members. The police will use various methods for identity verification, including checking credit card usage records, obtaining lists of mobile phone base station connections, and direct inquiries through analysis of closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage.

Commissioner Lee emphasized, “There is a possibility that club visitors provided false information or did not record their details, so we have received a request for cooperation to verify identities and whereabouts,” and added, “We will cooperate with the district and city offices to verify the identities and locations of visitors as soon as possible.”

The ban on gatherings in downtown Seoul, implemented in response to COVID-19, will continue for the time being. Commissioner Lee said, “For gatherings reported within areas where the Seoul city or district offices have prohibited assemblies, we issue prohibition notices, and if gatherings proceed, we prevent assembly, and if that is not possible, we proceed with dispersal procedures and take legal action,” adding, “We will continue to respond strictly as before.”

Meanwhile, the Seoul police investigated 64 cases of self-quarantine violations and referred 15 individuals to the prosecution with recommendations for indictment. They also investigated 261 cases of mask sales fraud and referred 82 individuals. Commissioner Lee stated, “We will continue to maintain a strict stance on violations of the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.