33 Caught at Entertainment Bars Secretly Operating Despite Gathering Ban... Karaoke Rooms and Restaurants Also Involved

Photo by Seoul Seocho Police Station

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] A nightlife establishment that secretly operated by allowing entry only to guests who made reservations in the form of memberships despite the gathering ban was caught by the police.

On the 21st, the Seocho Police Station in Seoul announced that they had apprehended the owner Kim (56) and 15 employees, along with 18 customers, at a nightlife establishment located in Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu, on charges of violating the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act.

After receiving a tip that the establishment was operating illegally, the police monitored the entry and exit of employees and customers around 10:40 PM the previous day and conducted a crackdown around 11 PM. When the suspects attempted to flee by locking the entrance door, the police forcibly opened it and entered the premises, apprehending the owner, 15 employees, and 18 customers who were hiding in the emergency exit.

Under the 'Level 4 Social Distancing' measures currently in effect in the metropolitan area, a gathering ban order has been issued for entertainment facilities.

At Songpa Police Station, one owner, one employee, and 18 customers were caught at karaoke rooms A and B located in Garak-dong, Songpa-gu, on charges of violating the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act.

After receiving reports of illegal operations at karaoke rooms A and B between 12:40 AM and 3:50 AM that day, the police, along with fire authorities, conducted a crackdown. The 20 individuals apprehended will be reported to the district office on charges of violating the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act. Additionally, the owners of karaoke rooms A and B will face charges of violating the Music Industry Promotion Act.

In Gangnam-gu, a restaurant operating illegally in a room-style format was caught by the police. At 10:55 PM the previous day, Gangnam Police Station apprehended 37 people, including the owner and customers, at a general restaurant in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu.

It was reported that during the crackdown, they attempted to escape by hiding in the emergency stairs. The police plan to apply charges of violating the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act against them and notify the district office.

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