Gwanghwamun Square Street Support 'Lack of Safety Measures' Decision to Postpone

On the 23rd, when the match between South Korea and Mexico in the 2018 Russia World Cup was scheduled, citizens were passionately cheering at Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Tae-min] The plan for street cheering at Gwanghwamun Square in preparation for the Qatar World Cup qualifying matches was not approved due to insufficient safety measures.

According to Seoul city officials on the 21st, Jongno District Office decided to re-examine the Red Devils cheering group's plan for cheering at Gwanghwamun Square. The Red Devils applied for permission to use Gwanghwamun Square from the 23rd of this month to the 3rd of next month with Seoul city and Jongno District. Although the Red Devils proposed to deploy 60 to 70 security personnel for this cheering event, Jongno District judged during the review that about 150 to 300 personnel would be necessary. It was concluded that there were shortcomings, such as failing to establish sufficient plans to allow fire trucks to enter in case of emergency.

Accordingly, the advisory committee review for Gwanghwamun Square scheduled by Seoul city at 2 p.m. on the 22nd also became uncertain. The city planned to decide on the approval of the Red Devils' use of Gwanghwamun Square through this review.

The Red Devils side intends to supplement the safety management plan as soon as possible, undergo the review again, and push to hold street cheering starting from the 24th, when the national team's first match is scheduled.

Earlier, the Korea Football Association had completed practical consultations with Seoul city last month for street cheering at Gwanghwamun Square but canceled the event at the end of last month following the Itaewon tragedy. Since then, the Red Devils have been pushing to hold street cheering again on the 24th and 28th, when the Korean national team’s matches are held, and on the 3rd of next month.

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