Again "Dae~hanminguk"? Can the Red Devils Gather at Gwanghwamun?

Red Devils to Promote Street Cheers at Gwanghwamun... Street Cheers Planned for Uruguay Match on 24th
Debate Over Itaewon Tragedy Memorial Atmosphere... Growing Concerns Over COVID-19 Infections

On the afternoon of September 27, at the Seoul World Cup Stadium in Mapo-gu, Seoul, during the friendly match between the South Korea and Cameroon national football teams, the 'Red Devils' are cheering without masks. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Da~hanminguk clap clap clap clap clap! Will the 'Red Devils' gather again at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul? As the first match of the Korean national team in the 2022 Qatar World Cup approaches, interest in street cheering is growing. However, due to the memorial atmosphere following the Itaewon tragedy, concerns about safety accidents, and the recent rise in COVID-19 cases, the district offices responsible for approving street cheering are taking a cautious stance.

On the 21st, Jongno-gu in Seoul decided to re-examine the street cheering safety plan submitted by the football cheering squad 'Red Devils.' The district office requested the Red Devils to supplement their safety measures, citing insufficient safety personnel and the lack of secured fire lanes in case of accidents. The Red Devils estimated the number of participants to be 8,000 each on the 24th and 28th, when the group stage matches are held, and 10,000 on December 2nd. The Red Devils plan to revise their safety plan and request a re-examination from the district office as early as today (22nd). Seoul City stated that it will review the approval for the use of Gwanghwamun Square once the district office passes the safety management plan review.

Another variable is the concern over COVID-19 infections. The monthly COVID-19 fatality rate, which hit a record low of 0.04% in July, has recently risen again to 0.07%. According to the 'Monthly COVID-19 Fatality Rate Status' analyzed by the Central Disease Control Headquarters on the 20th, last month's fatality rate was 0.07%. Additionally, the number of critically ill patients increased by 14 from 451 on the 20th to 465 on the 21st, the highest level in two months since September 21st (494 patients).

The government announced that as the winter resurgence of COVID-19 intensifies and hospital bed occupancy rates rise, it will monitor the situation and secure additional beds. Although there is currently some capacity, concerns remain that a 'bed crisis' could recur, considering the government forecasts the peak of this seventh wave at around 200,000 new daily cases. Park Hyang, head of the Central Accident Response Headquarters' quarantine team, said at a briefing on the 18th, "We are closely watching that as confirmed cases increase, the number of deaths is also rising," adding, "We are particularly focusing on vaccination to reduce the risk of critical illness and death, paying attention to which age groups the deaths are concentrated in."

Cheering in a Memorial Atmosphere vs. Cheering Since the Mourning Period Has Ended

Regardless of the approval for street cheering at Gwanghwamun Square, some have expressed their intention not to attend the cheering events, considering the memorial atmosphere following the Itaewon tragedy. Netizens have shared opinions on related article comments and online community boards, suggesting that it is not appropriate to have a festive atmosphere less than a month after a major disaster. On the other hand, some argue that since the national mourning period has ended, it is perfectly acceptable to enjoy street cheering.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils stated, "We will ensure that the people can take pride in a safe Republic of Korea," and "This cheering event will be one way to comfort those affected by the tragedy." Jo Ho-tae, head of the Red Devils Seoul branch, appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' on the 21st and said, "Previous street cheering events were hosted and organized by the Football Association, but this time the Red Devils are hosting it."

Jo said, "There was considerable pressure, but there is a reason we decided to proceed again. Since 2002, there have been no safety accidents during street cheering. We want the people themselves to take pride in Korea as a safe country where large crowds gather without incidents," adding, "Remembering the previous tragedy, comforting through our own cheering culture might be a way." He continued, "The overall safety measures were included in the Seoul City plaza usage review," and "We have contacted the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and fire department and had many discussions. They said they would provide a lot of support, so I believe there will be no safety issues."

He also emphasized, "The characteristic of street cheering is that most people spread out mats and cheer in groups of two or three. There will be no overcrowding in narrow alleys like in the Itaewon tragedy," adding, "We have divided the area into sectors and set the maximum number of people per 1㎡. Since there are several sectors within Gwanghwamun Square, there should be no concerns."

If street cheering is approved, the Red Devils plan to hold street cheering events at Gwanghwamun Square on the 24th and 28th, when the national team’s World Cup group stage matches are scheduled, and on December 2nd.

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