Distracted 'Changwon City Hall Kendo Team'... Group Trip to Jeju Island Amid COVID Spread

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Saeyan] Amid a nationwide surge in confirmed COVID-19 cases, the Kendo team of Changwon City Hall in Gyeongnam is causing controversy after returning from a group trip to Jeju Island.

According to Changwon City on the 8th, nine members of the city hall's Kendo team took leave on the 1st and unofficially went on a 2-night, 3-day group trip to Jeju Island.

As confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) surged last month, Changwon City raised social distancing to Level 2 starting November 29 and sent official letters requesting each organization to refrain from year-end events.

Changwon City further stated that if members of sports organizations cause any incidents during tourism, training, or club meetings, penalties such as restricting subsidy support would be imposed.

The Sports Council, having received the official letter from Changwon City, sent the same notice to each sports organization the following day.

A Changwon City official said, "Although it was unofficial, we judge that a group trip to Jeju Island during this sensitive time was inappropriate," adding, "We will issue warnings to the athletes and hold the coach appropriately accountable."

The Changwon City Kendo team reportedly explained that the trip was booked before the social distancing measures were strengthened.

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