Shedding Light on the Jamboree Scandal: Recent Controversy in South Korea
Table of contents:
Introduction
What is the Jamboree?
The World Scout Jamboree is a notable international event where scouts from all over the world gather. It serves as a platform for cultural exchange, friendship, and technology development and creates camaraderie among young participants. With various activities and workshops, Jamboree promotes leadership, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of global issues. Held in other countries, the event offers a unique opportunity for scouts to connect and learn from each other and shows their culture and values. In commemoration of unity and shared values, World Scout Jamboree empowers young people to become responsible global citizens.
What kind of place is Saemangeum, the place where the World Scout Jamboree?
Saemangeum, an unfamiliar name to many, is a sprawling coastal area in South Korea known for its vast wetlands and rich biodiversity. The site gained international attention as the host of the World Scout Jamboree. However, its significance extends beyond this event; Saemangeum has been a subject of environmental debates due to its unique ecosystem and its role in supporting migratory birds. The decision to hold the Jamboree here ignited discussions about striking a balance between promoting global camaraderie and safeguarding the delicate natural habitat. The event spotlighted Saemangeum on the global stage, prompting conversations about responsible event planning, conservation efforts, and the intricate relationship between human activities and pristine ecosystems.
Understanding the Allegations and Concerns
The failure of the World Scout Jamboree in Saemangeum sparked international debates. Issues like inadequate infrastructure, logistical challenges, and controversies surrounding the event’s environmental impact led to global discussions. Criticism emerged over the event’s planning, execution, and its potential negative consequences on the host region. This incident highlighted the need for thorough preparation, responsible event management, and a comprehensive consideration of local and global concerns in hosting such large-scale international gatherings.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-66425588
Problems with 2023 World Scout Jamboree Operation
Problems in the Field
First, we summarize the controversy over the Saemangeum Jamboree competition, which has already been reported in the media.
- Measures for Insolvency of Patients with Thermal Disorders
As shown in the example of Japan, the key is not the problem of the occurrence of a disease, but whether it was managed well. However, the problem is that the medical facilities were not prepared enough to handle it, and the therapeutic drugs ran out in a few days. - a mass outbreak of injuries
There should have been measures to prevent injuries during the event. However, the concept of preparation itself was insufficient, such as pushing ahead even though there was already a problem at the opening ceremony and being asked to stop. So many people got hurt during the event. - extensive pest damage
Since plastic palettes were placed on the reclaimed land, moisture came up and insects got in. In particular, mosquitoes and scorpion beetles caused diseases. This is due to the problem that there were no additional measures after the reclamation of reclaimed land. - a shortage of medical facilities
The number of sick people continues to increase due to diseases, injuries, and wounds, but there was a lack of beds and facilities. People with thermal diseases are placed at a temperature above 30 degrees, and the food given to the patients was cup noodles and snacks, so they deserve criticism. - the irresponsibility of the organizing committee
An anecdote of a foreigner who asked for help from the organizing committee for fear of a two-year-old infant getting sick due to the heat wave has also been criticized. At that time, the person in charge turned a blind eye to it, saying it was not his job, but the problem is that it was an organizing committee that had no concept of operation. - a poor diet
Despite complaints that it was already dirty and unmanageable, the accompanying meal of moldy eggs also caused outrage. The Jamboree crisis is the overall problem that even suppliers have not managed properly. - GS25 profiteering
It was the only convenience store, and it was known that it received nearly twice as much profit as 4,000 won for two tissues and 7,000 won for stone ice. This is also a controversy that reveals that even partners have not been properly managed. - an incidental facility problem
The tent-shaped shower facilities can be seen from the side, and there are toilets built for both men and women, which are said to be at the level of the 1980s. There were more foreigners than local residents, and cleaning was only three times a day. So dirty and uncomfortable became the biggest inconvenience
Problems in the Operation of the World Scout Jamboree Event
- Ministry of Gender Equality and Family controversy
There are five chairmen on the organizing committee. Some people say that the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family is the only problem, and when you hold them accountable, you just cut off the tail. The organizing committee also includes the Minister of Public Administration and Security and the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and under the special law, the prime minister is the final authority to approve it, so it is a total difficulty for the entire government. - Minister of Gender Equality and Family Controversy
It was a problem from the beginning. Since President Yoon pledged to abolish the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family in the first place, the Minister of Gender Equality, who was appointed in 2022, may have come in to clean up the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family in the first place. However, since I entrusted the international event, the button was wrong from the beginning. - Controversy over local governments in Jeollabuk-do
Another Jamboree operator. Since he is in charge of practice, he will also be subject to reprimand. It is wrong to blame the government only because it is supported by the government but it was the main body. Also, it should have been supervised by the previous government, but it wasn’t, so the former government is at fault. - 100 billion won budget controversy
The Saemangeum Jamboree incident in 2023 is an event that received a total budget of KRW 117 billion. By year, it spent 15.6 billion won in 2021, 39.8 billion won in 2022, and 61.7 billion won in 2023. In other words, the Yoon administration spent absolute money. And yet they’re lying because they’re blaming the previous government. - 99th overseas business trip controversy
This issue is an item that the former government, the current government, local governments, and the administration should all be held accountable. I went to a country where I didn’t even open a jamboree, and even had a cruise tour, a hot spring visit, a tour of Disneyland in Paris, a tour of Buckingham Palace, and an intuitive schedule for Son Heung-min’s game.
Problems in the preparation stage of the event
- belated infrastructure preparation
The infrastructure’s process rate was only 37% in August 2022. This is what happened because of the late licensing late. If you had prepared the reclaimed land for a longer period of time, you might not have suffered from moisture and insects as you do now. This happened because the government handled it too late. - Controversy over site selection
As you can see in the example of Japan, there are also places where events were successfully held in reclaimed land. The problem is that there was a problem with the local government in selecting reclaimed land. In other words, there are strong suspicions that there was actually a problem of using it for other purposes after the event, using the preparation of the competition as a reason. - Facility problems such as drainage
Regarding the above site, it is said that the site was to be used as farmland after the competition. So it seems that’s why we don’t build a thicker foundation. Even after the problem was discovered, it should have been actively done, but the current government has been busy blaming it for not being able to supplement it for as long as a year and a half. - Reinforcement of ancillary facilities
Restrooms, showers, heat shelters, and medical facilities are facilities that can be reinforced in just three months. But the current government, which has been a year and a half, says it’s the former government’s fault. The biggest problem was the dirty environment and inconvenience, but now I blame others like a child. The people should not be deceived. - a messy plan in the first place
This is likely to be the fault of the local government. The World Jamboree Competition has a main center. However, the competition center building, which cost 50 billion won, will not be completed until next year. It was a mess from the beginning, so the Jamboree situation became serious.
Problem of responding to the Jamboree crisis
- controversy over the government’s control of the press
In a report by a leading foreign newspaper, the Korean media reported that it was plastered with jamboree floating articles, and that the government was restricting negative reporting after the problem broke out. In fact, the organizing committee also restricted access to areas where media coverage is allowed. What only happened in less democratized countries took place in Korea in the 21st century. - Problems related to K-POP concert
If you come from the U.S., the Jamboree participation fee is more than 7 million won. When students raised the money, they would have been excited about K-pop. So the concert was prepared, but the competition was disrupted, so it was all over the place. And when you recruit other celebrities through tinkering, your dissatisfaction grows. - Controversy over BTS’ request for transfer
A member of the People’s Power Council said that BTS in the military should be mobilized to appease the nation’s prestige. However, people complain why celebrities should take responsibility for the prestige of Korea that politicians have lost. Conservative parties still have the mindset of 20 years ago. - a call for a press conference to declare a stay
As it became dirty and uncomfortable, each country tried to leave the competition. Then several countries gathered and held a press conference to stay. But it turns out that this was by the Korea Scout Federation. This is cowardly.
Conclusion
The failure of the World Scout Jamboree in Saemangeum served as a valuable lesson for the South Korean government. It highlighted the importance of comprehensive event planning, considering factors such as weather uncertainties and environmental impacts. This experience could guide the government’s approach to future international events, including the efforts to host the 2030 Busan Expo.
Drawing parallels, the Saemangeum incident underscores the need for meticulous preparation, sustainable practices, and effective communication with stakeholders to ensure the success of large-scale global initiatives. The government’s commitment to learning from this setback could enhance its ability to create memorable and impactful events that align with international standards and aspirations for the Busan Expo and beyond.