Later in the day, X (formerly Twitter) shared videos and photos of fireworks on board at the Han River near Yeouido, sparking controversy.
The fireworks held on this day were the Hangang Music Firework Cruise (Hangang Hallyu Firework Cruise), one of the "2024 Hangang Festival Winter" events organized by the Seoul Future Hangang Headquarters.
Hosted by Hyundai Marine Leisure, the ship's fireworks festival was introduced on the Seoul Metropolitan Government's website that "you can enjoy a fireworks show directed to music on a super-large cruise ship." Advance reservations were received for ordinary citizens, and the participation fee was 40,000 won for adults and 25,000 won for children.The
online community and social networking services (SNS) were criticized for pushing ahead with fireworks on the day of the disaster.
As the controversy spread, the Seoul Metropolitan Government emphasized that the event was hosted by a private company, and explained that the Seoul Metropolitan Government only gave permission.
Hyundai Marine Leisure, the organizer, also issued an apology and apologized, saying, "If I think about it again now, today's event, which was pushed ahead despite the request for cancellation by the Seoul Future Han River Headquarters, should have been canceled," adding, "We made an inexperienced judgment because it was such a sudden situation."
"I sincerely apologize and apologize for causing a stir by hosting such an event at a time when everyone is mourning amid a major disaster," he said.
Lee Yu-na, reporter for the digital news team
AI Anchor: Y-GO
Caption editing: Jeong Eui-jin
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