[Exclusive] "Neglecting Entertainment Venues Led to COVID Spread"... Conservative Group Files Complaint Against Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] It was belatedly confirmed that the police are investigating a case in which Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon was accused of failing to properly manage the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

According to the police on the 17th, the Jongno Police Station in Seoul received and is investigating a case last month in which the conservative group Liberty Solidarity filed a complaint requesting an investigation into Mayor Park for dereliction of duty and other charges.

In the complaint, Liberty Solidarity stated, "Despite the infectious disease crisis alert level being 'serious,' Mayor Park neglected the operation of entertainment establishments in areas such as Itaewon, Hongdae, and Gangnam until the assembly ban order for entertainment establishments was issued on the 9th of last month, thereby encouraging the spread of the infectious disease."

Regarding the world tour of 'The Phantom of the Opera,' which has been performed at Blue Square in Seoul since March this year, they also claimed, "The risk was neglected by allowing an infected actor to transmit COVID-19 to the audience in a confined space for two weeks." This performance was suspended for about three weeks and then resumed after two actors tested positive for COVID-19.

Liberty Solidarity also included in the complaint allegations that Mayor Park unlawfully interfered with the rallies of the 'National Struggle Headquarters for the Resignation of Moon Jae-in (Beomtu-bon)' and the Sarang Jeil Church gatherings.

Seoul City has decided to temporarily ban gatherings at Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul Plaza, and Cheonggye Plaza to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Meanwhile, on the 23rd, the National Rally to Set the Republic of Korea Straight, hosted by the Moon Jae-in Resignation National Struggle Headquarters (Beomtu-bon), is being held in front of the Kyobo Building in Gwanghwamun, Seoul. Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon, president of the Korea Christian Federation, is speaking. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

Earlier, despite the Seoul city government's ban on rallies at Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul Plaza, Cheonggye Plaza, and downtown areas, Beomtu-bon forcibly held weekend rallies at Gwanghwamun Square on February 22-23. In response, the city and Jongno District filed complaints against Beomtu-bon for violating the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act.

The city also filed complaints with the police against attendees and organizers of the Sunday worship service at Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk District, who defied the assembly ban order and held the service. Sarang Jeil Church was issued an assembly ban order by Seoul city on March 23 after it was revealed that the church did not comply with quarantine rules during worship. However, despite the ban, the church held a service that Sunday. At that time, attendees unlawfully occupied the road.

Regarding this complaint, the complainant's investigation has been conducted once. Mayor Park has not undergone an accused investigation. A police official said, "After receiving the complaint, the complainant's investigation was completed, and we are currently reviewing the legal aspects. If there is evidence of wrongdoing, we will summon the accused for investigation, but nothing has been decided yet." A Seoul city official also explained, "Since the police investigation is ongoing, we will respond according to the procedures," adding, "At this point, there are no plans to make separate statements or responses."

Meanwhile, according to Article 49 of the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act, the Minister of Health and Welfare or local government heads may restrict assemblies to prevent infectious diseases. Violators may be fined up to 3 million won per participant.

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