Busan police investigate US soldiers over disruptive fireworks
By Jun Ji-hye
Police in the southern port city Busan have begun an investigation into disruptive fireworks set off by dozens of foriegn nationals including U.S. military personnel near the city's famous Haeundae Beach last Saturday, officials said Thursday.
The Busan Metropolitan Police Agency said it is currently working to gather evidence by analyzing CCTV footage and looking for witnesses, and reviewing whether or not those involved violated local ordinances.
Police are working in cooperation with the United States Forces Korea (USFK) seeking to take action against those who broke public ordinances on that day.
Foreign nationals set off fireworks near Busan's Haeundae Beach, July 4. / Yonhap
According to police, among the revelers were members of the USFK stationed here and other foreign nationals. CCTV footage shows that the revelers let off numerous fireworks for about two hours even directing some towards members of the public and nearby buildings, apparently in celebration of U.S. Independence Day.
Police officers attending the scene in response to numerous complaints were jeered at by some in the crowd.
Some of the people involved walked down the street without face masks at a time when the public is still concerned over the spread of COVID-19.
Police received more than 70 complaints from Busan citizens in relation to the fireworks.
“We started this investigation as we believe strict action must be taken against those responsible for the public disturbances,” a Busan Metropolitan Police Agency official said.
Amid mounting public anger, the Busan Metropolitan Government expressed its regret to the U.S. Consulate in Busan, Wednesday, over the disruptive behaviors allegedly committed by U.S. nationals.
The Busan government asked the consulate to make efforts to prevent the recurrence of any similar incidents.
“We also asked the consulate to take appropriate measures so U.S. nationals in South Korea can comply with the government's social distancing campaign and wear face masks,” a Busan Metropolitan Government official said.
Kim Jae-yeon who heads the Progressive Party speaks during a news conference in front of the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, Tuesday, calling for harsh punishment against U.S. soldiers who allegedly set off fireworks in Busan, July 4. / Yonhap
Regarding the issue, the USFK said the behavior of the involved U.S. soldiers that caused public disruption “is deeply troubling to USFK and does not represent the strong respect we hold for the Korean people, their culture, laws and regulations.”
The USFK vowed to cooperate with Korean law enforcement authorities in their efforts to identify those responsible, saying, “All commanders will take appropriate action for those service members determined to be involved in this type of behavior.”
Haeundae and six other beaches in Busan formally opened for the summer holiday season, July 1, with the health authorities asking vacationers to comply with strict social distancing and infection control guidelines aimed at stemming COVID-19 infections.
The rules include wearing face masks when not in the water and maintaining a distance of two meters between parasols and tents.