"Severe Hardship Due to Ban on Entertainment Bars Gathering"... Over 400 March Through Downtown Seoul

Officials from the Korea Entertainment Food Service Association are marching on the 10th from LG Twin Towers in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, to the Blue House, urging the repeal of the ban on gatherings at entertainment bars. They stated, "Since the government's ban on gatherings was enforced from March last year when COVID-19 quarantine measures were strengthened, we have been unable to operate for a total of 10 months." They added, "As a result, more than 90% of entertainment business owners, who are small-scale operators making a living, are facing dire situations such as eviction lawsuits from building owners." Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] The Korea Entertainment Food Service Central Association, composed of owners of entertainment bars, held a press conference on the 10th in Yeouido, Seoul, demanding the lifting of gathering bans and compensation for losses.

They stated, "Due to the gathering ban order under COVID-19 quarantine measures, we have been unable to operate for a full 10 months," adding, "With no income, rent and utility bills have been overdue for several months, and unable to endure severe financial hardship, five member owners have taken extreme measures."

They also said, "Legal entertainment bars have been subjected to gathering bans, leading to the proliferation of illegal similar entertainment establishments," and added, "The government must lift the gathering ban so that we can resume operations as soon as possible, and the National Assembly must promptly pass the loss compensation bill."

About 400 participants formed groups of nine and marched approximately 10 km to near the Blue House, then dispersed without major clashes with the police.

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