"Violation of Quarantine Rules"... 5 Million Won Fine for Last Person in Squid Game Attempted by Large Hotel

Gangneung-si, Currently at Social Distancing Level 4... Notification of Event Hosting Ban

Photo by Official Instagram of the Hotel

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] A large hotel in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, attempted to hold an event parodying the Netflix original series "Squid Game," but faced criticism for violating COVID-19 quarantine rules.

On the 13th, Gangneung City announced that it had issued an administrative order prohibiting the event planned by a large hotel in Gangneung on the 24th, which was a parody of Squid Game.

Currently, Gangneung is under Level 3 social distancing, which prohibits lodging facilities from hosting events, and private gatherings are limited to 8 people, including those who have completed COVID-19 vaccinations.

The Gangneung City officials added, "Although the Level 3 social distancing period is until the 17th of this month, even if the distancing is eased to Level 2 on the 24th when the event is scheduled, the ban on hosting parties or events organized by lodging facilities will still apply," and requested the hotel to stop the event.

Previously, a large hotel in Gangneung announced it would hold a Squid Game parody event, awarding 5 million won to the last winner of the game.

The hotel stated that participants would receive invitations before the game and gather at a designated time and place to play. The game consists of four rounds: Round 1 "Mugunghwa Flower Has Bloomed," Round 2 "Tug of War," Round 3 "Sugar Honeycomb," and Round 4 "Ddakji," to determine the winner.

The event was open to both hotel guests and non-guests, and applications were accepted through the official Instagram. However, with over 600 applicants within two days and inquiries flooding in, the hotel announced on its official Instagram on the 13th that "Due to the overwhelming interest and love from many people, game registration has been closed in advance."

Meanwhile, the hotel has not yet informed the city whether the event will be canceled, and if the administrative order is violated and the event proceeds, fines will be imposed according to relevant laws.

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