Seoul:Police in Seoul are intensifying crowd safety measures in major nightlife districts for the upcoming Halloween festivities next week. Officials have announced the deployment of additional police personnel to ensure public safety during the celebrations.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency (SMPA) will implement a special safety management period from Friday to November 1. During this period, a total of 4,594 police personnel will be deployed across key areas such as Itaewon, Hongdae, Seongsu, Myeongdong, and Ikseon-dong, where large crowds are anticipated. The personnel will include 30 riot police units, 120 regional patrol teams, 120 special task force members, 99 detectives, and 765 traffic police.

These measures come as Seoul approaches its fourth Halloween since the tragic 2022 Itaewon crowd crush incident, which resulted in 159 fatalities. In response, police are taking proactive steps to manage crowd density and ensure safety.

From October 30 to November 1, traffic control will be closely monitored in collaboration with local district governments, with vehicle access being restricted in phases based on crowd density. In high-traffic areas like Itaewon and Hongdae, police will conduct preventive patrols to alleviate public concerns following recent stabbing incidents.

A police official emphasized the commitment to safety management, especially in densely populated areas, to ensure public comfort. The official also advised against carrying or wearing costume props such as guns, knives, or police uniforms, to prevent anxiety among the public.