Suspected food-poisoning cases linked to the Gimje Horizon Festival rose to 523 as of 1 p.m. on October 9, up from 313 reported the previous afternoon. Most people with symptoms reportedly ate gimbap sold at a specific booth at the festival on October 3 and later experienced vomiting, abdominal pain or chills. Gimje City and the festival committee posted an apology on October 8, saying they accepted responsibility and would prioritize visitorsโ recovery, but criticism followed because the statement did not name the heads of the institutions.
The city and festival committee are now facing pressure to provide clear guidance and support as the reported cases continue to be assessed.