Anseong Baudeogi Festival opens amid tightrope walker accident

The Anseong Machum Namsadang Baudeogi Festival, a major traditional cultural event in South Korea, has commenced with a mix of celebration and safety concerns. The festival, which runs until October 5 at Anseong Machum Land, aims to showcase the UNESCO-listed Namsadang Nori through various performances, exhibitions, and modern cultural integrations.

However, an accident occurred during a tightrope walking performance when a performer fell approximately 2.5 meters after a support pole collapsed. The performer was hospitalized but has since been discharged. The incident has drawn criticism regarding safety management, as Anseong City reportedly declined previous requests to install safety mats to preserve the traditional nature of the performance. Following the accident, the city has since installed safety mats and pledged to review its overall safety and emergency response systems.

Mayor Kim Bora opened the festival with a ceremony emphasizing the spirit of Baudeogi, a historical figure who transformed the joys and sorrows of commoners into art. The event features a variety of programs, including a theme park, traditional markets, and K-pop performances, with the city providing shuttle buses and safety personnel to manage the crowds.