River cruise firm gets 6-month ban for fireworks despite Seoul request to cancel after Jeju tragedy
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The Seoul Metropolitan Government had asked the company on Dec 29 to cancel the event, citing the sombre atmosphere surrounding the tragic incident.
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SEOUL - The Seoul Metropolitan Government has ordered a six-month suspension of operations for a company that went ahead with a fireworks show on the Han River despite the city’s request to cancel the event following the nation’s deadliest domestic aviation tragedy.
In a statement released Dec 30, the city said: “We have decided to impose a strong measure on Hyundai Cruise, which proceeded with the fireworks show on a cruise ship on the Han River.”
The city had asked the company around 2.40 pm on Dec 29 to cancel the event, which was scheduled for that evening, citing the sombre atmosphere surrounding the tragic incident.
Despite the request, Hyundai Cruise held the fireworks show at 6.30 pm, citing difficulty in cancelling a pre-booked event.
Following public criticism, the company issued an apology. “The event, which went ahead despite Seoul’s request, should have been cancelled. We apologise for pushing forward with the event and causing trouble during a time of national mourning.” THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
