The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) recommended that the organizer of the four-member rock band My Chemical Romance's Korea concert install wheelchair-accessible seating.
According to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the complainant sought to attend the My Chemical Romance Korea concert with a wheelchair user with a disability. The complainant tried to book tickets last year but confirmed there were no wheelchair-accessible seats. The complainant filed a petition with the NHRC, saying the concert viewing by the wheelchair user with a disability was restricted or refused.
Alive, the organizer of the Korea concert, told the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) that the event would be held by setting up a stage in an open public square, making wheelchair access and movement difficult. The organizer also argued that wheelchair use could actually be dangerous at a large-scale event drawing tens of thousands of spectators.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Committee for Correction of Disability Discrimination determined that the difficulty of providing convenience for disabled attendees should not be presumed simply because the venue is not a permanent performance hall; instead, accessibility and safety should be considered together from the planning stage. The intent is that, when building temporary facilities to accommodate tens of thousands of spectators, there is no reason not to provide at least a viewing area or movement route for disabled attendees.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) also found that excluding the participation of people with disabilities solely due to safety concerns does not align with the principle of substantive equality sought by the Act on the Prohibition of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) recommended installing wheelchair-accessible seating and securing companion seats within the remaining period before the concert. It also recommended implementing separate safety management guidelines, including preparing dedicated entry and movement routes and deploying on-site safety personnel.
The My Chemical Romance Korea concert was initially set for Apr. this year but was postponed once. It is scheduled to be held on Nov. 7 at Paradise City Culture Park in Jung District, Incheon.