[On the scene] Singing and even sew... The unbridled streets of Korea

Citizens drink alcohol on the Gyeongui Line forest road near Exit 3 of Hongik University Station at 11:30 p.m. on the 7th. Photo = Reporter Lee Jin-hyuk

[Financial News] At 11:30 p.m. on the weekend (7th), empty beer cans are placed on each bench on the Gyeongui Line forest road near Exit 3 of Hongik University Station. Han (27), who was drinking on a nearby road, said, "Social distancing is over and wearing a mask is not necessary, so is there a problem with drinking?" and, "You can feel the lively street again." Until recently, the forest road was empty because the Seoul Metropolitan Government banned outdoor drinking.

■ The number of reported cases in Hongdae increased by passers-by

As social distancing was completely lifted, citizens gathered again on Hongdae Street. They were drinking on the street until late at night. As reports of drinking are also increasing, nearby residents are suffering great damage.

According to the Mapo Police Station in Seoul on the 8th, an average of 138.2 reports were received from the 18th of last month to the 1st of last month.

This is an increase of 42% compared to 97 cases in the same period last year.

Jang Shin-woong, head of the 112 security situation division at Mapo-seo, Seoul, said at a "public-private joint meeting to create a safe Hongdae street" held at Hapjeong-dong Community Center, "The number of reports in the Hongik area has increased significantly as quarantine guidelines have been eased."

In fact, the streets were crowded near Hongik University on the 7th with a large number of people as if they were in the COVID-19 situation. Half of the citizens took off their masks and walked along the streets, while some foreigners were walking along the streets with bottles of soju and beer cans. In the alley of Hunting Pocha near Hongik University, about 200 citizens were seen smoking or talking.

Kim (30), who works at a convenience store near the club street, said, "I think sales at convenience stores have more than doubled since April," adding, "I think the number of users has increased more than before COVID-19." Nearby merchants mentioned that it has only now become "normalized."

Lee (44), who runs a pub in Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-gu, said, "Our alley stores tend to have a late effect only when the number of people on the streets increases significantly," adding, "Sales have been rising significantly since last week. Nearby merchants are saying, "It's a relief."

■Drunken crime also occurred

However, as the number of passers-by has exploded, there are a series of accidents. Mapo-seo arrested Hong Kong-flagged A and Argentine-flagged B on charges of performance pornography on the 3rd. They are suspected of having sex on Hongdae Fashion Street early in the morning. A police official explained, "A and B were drunk and committed a crime."

Nearby residents are suffering. "Recently, the sound of high-pitched songs has been increasing to Yeonhui-dong," said Ok (55), who lives in Yeonhui-dong. "Recently, a drunk person has reported it in front of his house."

The police say they will take the lead in maintaining security near Hongdae. In order to strengthen safety, Mapo-gu Office, Mapo Fire Station, Hongsangin Association, and 15 club managers near Hongdae Street were asked to provide closed circuit (CC) TV video data when investigating △112 reports by police officers △ Fire exits and various fire-related facilities.

- Reporter Seo Hwa Mok -