City officials in Seoul have shut down operations of a river cruise operator for defying requests to postpone a sailing.
Hyundai Cruise was asked to cancel a sailing as the country mourned the Jeju Air crash, which was South Korea’s deadliest domestic air accident.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government ordered a six-month suspension of all operations for the company.
A fireworks show on the Han River went ahead despite officials asking them to cancel it.
Hyundai Cruise said it was not practical to cancel the booked event just four hours in advance.
“We have decided to impose a strong measure on Hyundai Cruise, which proceeded with the fireworks show on a cruise ship on the Han River,” the Seoul metropolitan Government said.
After a public backlash, the company issued an apology.
“The event, which went ahead despite Seoul’s request, should have been cancelled,” it said.
“We apologise for holding the event and causing trouble during a time of national mourning.”
