A truck protest and banner demonstration urging prevention of the recurrence of the fatal incident at NC Park in Changwon, home to professional baseball, took place.
The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) reported the tragic accident on the 29th of last month. Around 5:20 p.m. during the game between the NC Dinos and LG Twins at NC Park, a structure (2.6 meters long, 40 cm wide aluminum 'louver') fixed to the wall near the third base concession stand fell, injuring three spectators below, one of whom was ultimately killed after being struck by the structure.
After the accident victim passed away on the 31st of last month, the KBO decided to observe a mourning period from the 1st to the 3rd. On the 1st, no KBO League or Futures League games were held in memory of the victim. All games in the three-game series between NC and SSG at NC Park were canceled, while games at the other four stadiums were held from the 2nd, but no cheering took place until the 3rd. Although the mourning period has ended, Kiwoom, who faced NC, decided not to cheer for the three-game series this weekend and will not hold any club events.
While many fans mourn and remember the victim of the NC Park accident, some believe that the KBO League hastily proceeded with the games. In particular, Eui-ji Yang (Doosan) noted after the game on the 3rd, "I wished we had not played for about three days out of a sense of mourning. We always communicate with the KBO, but we were simply notified after decisions were made. I think more communication is needed. Of course, the KBO has its position, but considering the players' feelings, I wonder if there could have been more communication regarding the mourning period decision," which caused a significant ripple. Ultimately, fans took action with truck protests and banner demonstrations.
The banner demonstration took place on the 5th at five stadiums (Seoul Jamsil Stadium, Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome, Incheon SSG Landers Field, Daegu Samsung Lions Park, and Busan Sajik Stadium) where KBO League games were held. The protesting fans claimed, "This demonstration is a desperate call by fans regarding 'a league operation that prioritizes entertainment and scheduling over fan safety,' urging relevant organizations to be responsible and to take preventive measures against recurrence, and not to ignore the reality where fans' lives are at risk inside and outside the stadium."
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