"Not Miami but Haeundae"... Over 2,000 Foreigners' 'No Mask Party' Raises Citizens' Anxiety

Foreigners are enjoying a party without wearing masks in Haeundae, Busan. Photo by Social Networking Service (SNS) capture.

[Asia Economy Reporter Seoyoung Kwon] During the U.S. Memorial Day holiday, foreigners including U.S. Forces Korea held drinking parties late into the night at Haeundae Beach, heightening citizens' anxiety.

Today (30th), the Busan Metropolitan Police Agency announced that reports continued regarding foreigners holding parties such as dancing near Haeundae Beach from late afternoon on the 29th until dawn. They not only violated quarantine rules by not properly wearing masks but were also reported to have set off fireworks, which are prohibited on the beach.

A total of 38 reports were received that day, and videos and photos capturing the scenes were shared on various social networking services (SNS). One video showed groups of foreigners drinking and dancing without properly wearing masks, along with the sound of fireworks being set off. The user who uploaded the video added a comment saying, "I thought it was Miami," and noted, "They took off their masks, smoked, and drank on the beach."

Meanwhile, the police stated that patrol cars, detective teams, and task forces were intensively deployed in adjacent areas to strengthen patrols. However, due to quarantine rules, they could not conduct crackdowns on large gatherings and thus focused on guidance-oriented activities. The police also identified that most of the people gathered at Haeundae Beach that night were U.S. Forces Korea personnel who came for the Memorial Day holiday.

According to police estimates, about 2,000 people gathered that day, and unlike the incident during last July's Independence Day, no violent behavior was reported.

However, citizens' anxiety over the spread of COVID-19 is increasing. One citizen expressed, "Isn't this a clear violation of quarantine rules such as the ban on gatherings of five or more?" In response, the police and Haeundae District Office stated that they will strengthen patrols as they expect continued visits from foreigners.

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