52 Demonstrations Reported in Seoul on Hangul Day... Seoul City, "Will Block at the Source"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] To prevent large crowds from gathering and the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), police buses are expected to be deployed as barricades in downtown areas such as Gwanghwamun in Seoul on Hangul Day, October 9.

Park Yumi, Seoul's Quarantine Control Officer (Director of the Citizen Health Bureau), stated at a briefing on the 5th, "There are 52 assemblies of 10 or more people reported for this Hangul Day," adding, "We plan to coordinate with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency for a joint response to block these gatherings at the source."

Officer Park emphasized that "while protecting the freedom of assembly, safeguarding citizens' lives and safety is an absolute priority," affirming that Seoul's response policy remains unchanged.

Regarding criticism that although downtown assemblies were blocked on Gaecheonjeol (National Foundation Day) on the 3rd, crowds still gathered at tourist spots, Officer Park said, "We are on alert as there is a possibility of an increase in confirmed cases after the holiday," and added, "We will expand and strengthen proactive testing."

Meanwhile, on Sunday, the 4th, during the holiday, Seoul deployed 310 personnel to inspect 505 religious facilities, resulting in the detection of three violations of quarantine rules. The city plans to review the violations and take measures such as filing complaints.

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