Why Are Cases of On-Hyeol Disease Rising? K-Pop to Blame?... Jamboree's Explanation Fuels Controversy

Some Outdoor Programs Suspended by Jamboree Organizing Committee
Cause of Damage Mentioned as "Exhaustion from K-pop Event"

At the world's largest youth camping festival, the '2023 Saemangeum World Scout Jamboree,' a surge of heat-related illness cases has caused significant concern. Amidst a flood of complaints from parents, the Jamboree Organizing Committee announced a temporary suspension of outdoor exposure and programs involving high physical activity. The reason given for the high incidence of heat-related illnesses was attributed to "the excessive energy expenditure during the K-pop performance event."

Choi Chang-haeng, Secretary General of the Saemangeum World Scout Jamboree Organizing Committee, stated at a briefing held at the Jamboree Press Center on the 3rd, "There were 108 heat-related patients during the opening ceremony the previous day," adding, "However, including cases of headaches, abdominal pain, and musculoskeletal injuries, the total number of patients related to the opening ceremony reached 139."

He added, "As of 9 a.m. today, two patients remain in the Jamboree hospital," and "We plan to secure an additional 30 doctors and 60 nurses to prevent and respond to heat-related illnesses."

On August 1, 2023, the opening day of the 2023 Saemangeum World Scout Jamboree, Scout members are walking to the campsite in Haseo-myeon, Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do. 2023.8.1 [Image source=Yonhap News]

Secretary General Choi mentioned K-pop as a background factor for the surge in heat-related illnesses at the opening ceremony. He said, "Since participants came from far away and were not acclimated to the weather, I believe many patients occurred," but also noted, "There was a K-pop event at the opening ceremony, and as the youth released energy and were active, they exhausted their stamina, which we believe led to the high number of patients."

He emphasized, "This is a situation that can occur at any Jamboree held in any country," and "The number of heat-related patients is not significantly beyond expectations." Regarding upcoming large-scale events within the camping site, he said, "We plan to respond appropriately through situational meetings as needed," and added, "We will keep in mind that K-pop performances may consume more energy than expected."

However, despite the Organizing Committee's explanation, concerns about heatwave damage and safety accidents are growing. Already, online communities and the Jamboree's official social network services (SNS) are flooded with posts criticizing the host's poor management and lack of facilities. Reports have emerged of mold being found on boiled eggs provided to participants by the Organizing Committee, and controversies over overcharging have also surfaced.

Meanwhile, Lee Sang-min, Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, urgently ordered measures related to heat-related patients on the 3rd. The minister dispatched Kim Seong-ho, head of the Disaster and Safety Management Headquarters, to the Jamboree site that morning and instructed adjustments to the event program, an increase in ambulances, and the introduction of mobile hospitals. He particularly emphasized preparing to prevent severe illnesses or fatalities.

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