South Korean Government Denies Responsibility for Disastrous World Scout Jamboree despite Criticism from Investigators

The South Korean government has denied responsibility for the disastrous World Scout Jamboree last year, despite being blamed by investigators. Tens of thousands were evacuated from the campsite due to issues with food and medical facilities. Independent findings were critical of the Korean Scout Association and the government, claiming that the government took the lead role in organizing the event while sidelining the scout group. However, the government refuted these claims, stating that they only played a supportive role to the Korean Scout Association.

The World Scout Jamboree is described as the world’s largest youth camp, gathering young scouts from around the world every four years. The Jamboree held last August was plagued with problems from the beginning. Children fainted in extreme heat due to inadequate food supplies and poor medical facilities such as clinics lacking electricity and a shortage of basic supplies like saline solution.

The UK contingent withdrew over 4,500 child scouts due to these problems, prompting many other countries to follow suit. Investigators accused the South Korean government of misleading international and national scout organizations about the state of preparations. The report outlined significant challenges and deficiencies in safety, security, medical support, food, sanitation, and hygiene. It also criticized the government for becoming de facto organizers, causing structural and coordination complications.