Why Did the Mapo Police Chief Want to Meet Hongdae Club Owners?

Post-Distancing Accident Increase by 60%
Joint Meeting for Safe Hongdae Streets
Request for Cooperation on Safety Rules

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Gyumin] "Since club operations resumed, the number of reports has really increased. We cannot operate as we did before."

Around 2 p.m. on the 3rd, about 30 people including the Mapo Police Station, merchants near Hongik University, and business owners gathered at the Hapjeong-dong Community Center in Mapo-gu. It was a ‘Public-Private Joint Meeting to Create a Safe Hongdae Street’ hosted by the Mapo Police Station’s 112 Comprehensive Security Situation Room. This type of meeting is known to be the first since the establishment of Hongdae clubs. Senior officials from Mapo Police Station, including the head of the Criminal Division and the head of the Women and Youth Division, told Hongdae club owners, managers, and merchant groups, "Since the social distancing measures were lifted, incidents and accidents near Hongdae have significantly increased," and asked for "active cooperation to prevent accidents."

According to Mapo Police Station, the daily average number of major crime reports (murder, robbery, theft, kidnapping, sexual violence, etc.) at the Hongik Police Substation from January 1 of this year to the 17th of last month was 3.7 cases. From the 18th of last month, when social distancing was fully lifted, to the 1st, the daily average number of reports rose to 6.2 cases. This represents about a 60% increase in crime reports compared to before social distancing.

A Mapo Police Station official cautioned against interpreting the incidents at the Hongik Police Substation as being solely caused by clubs. However, they added, "Since club operations effectively resumed after two years, the number of reports has noticeably increased." Local residents near Hongdae also filed complaints, saying, "The noise and vibrations coming from clubs at night and early morning affect not only citizens’ daily lives but also nearby businesses," and "They also cause incidents involving intoxicated individuals."

The police particularly believe that Hongdae clubs are not properly adhering to safety-related regulations they must follow. Hongdae clubs are designated as ‘Dance-Permitted Establishments’ under the Mapo District Office ordinance. This ordinance, titled ‘Ordinance on the Operation of General Restaurants Permitting Dancing in Seats in Mapo-gu, Seoul,’ has been in effect since 2016. Clubs can operate without setting up a separate dance space by submitting six documents, including an application for ‘Dance-Permitted Establishment,’ to the district mayor. However, they are obligated to comply with 11 safety standards. These include installing soundproofing facilities to meet noise and vibration regulation standards, permanently assigning safety personnel, and mandatory installation of emergency lighting, among others.

A Mapo District Office official said, "We will listen to difficulties through the meeting, but we strongly requested cooperation from the business owners."

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