100 police and 30 firefighters deployed as Pokemon event in South Korea halted amid safety concerns

A Pokémon event has reportedly turned into a safety issue in Seoul, South Korea. According to a report by Korean publication Kyunghyang Shinmun, more than 50 crowd-safety reports were filed during the event. The situation unfolded during the opening of “Pokémon Secret Forest,” a themed attraction at Seoul Forest as part of the 2026 Seoul International Garden Show.Large crowds gathered quickly, especially in nearby Seongsu-dong. As the crowd grew, authorities deployed around 100 police personnel and 30 firefighters to manage the situation, the report claimed. Organisers were eventually forced to temporarily halt parts of the event to control the crowd.The Pokémon-themed attraction opened on May 1 and will run until June 21. It is part of a broader city-wide garden event spanning multiple locations, featuring hundreds of garden installations and walking routes.How the Pokémon event in South Korea turned into a safety crisisAn Ubergizmo report, citing Korean sources, claimed that the event's opening day, which coincided with South Korea’s Labour Day holiday, drew a large number of visitors, including families, fans, and tourists. By noon, some 40,000 people were reported to have gathered near the Seongsu Cafe Street.Heavy turnout soon led to overcrowding in key areas, prompting authorities to address safety concerns. No injuries were reported, but officials took precautionary measures to manage the situation and prevent possible risks.Due to the crowd pressure, organisers paused parts of the Pokémon Mega Festa, including activities linked to Pokémon Go. According to the report, the decision was made following requests from local authorities and police.Pokémon Korea also confirmed that the event was temporarily suspended because of heavy crowds. The situation highlights the Pokémon franchise's continued popularity, which attracts large audiences to real-world events and themed experiences.Despite the disruption, the larger Seoul International Garden Show will continue until October, with Pokémon Secret Forest expected to remain open for several weeks.Authorities and organisers are likely to review crowd management plans for the upcoming days. Visitors are being advised to avoid peak hours, as turnout is expected to remain high.