This archive report was first published on 10 May 2020.
On Saturday, May 9, 2020, Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon ordered the closure of all clubs and bars in the city, citing concerns over a potential second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.
The decision came after a 29-year-old man tested positive for the virus, having visited five clubs and bars in the Itaewon nightlife district over the weekend.
Health authorities warned that around 7,200 people may have been exposed to the virus, and urged those who visited the affected establishments to come forward voluntarily.
"Carelessness can lead to an explosion in infections," Mayor Park said, adding that the order would remain in effect indefinitely.
South Korea has been praised for its handling of the pandemic, with a "trace, test and treat" programme that has helped to bring the outbreak under control.
However, the latest cluster of cases has raised concerns that the country may be experiencing a second wave of infections.
President Moon Jae-in urged the public to remain vigilant, saying that "it's not over until it's over" and that "we must never lower our guard regarding epidemic prevention".
