The South Korean government has denied responsibility for the disastrous World Scout Jamboree last year, despite being heavily criticized by investigators. Tens of thousands of scouts were evacuated from the campsite due to issues with food and medical facilities. Independent findings were highly critical of the Korean Scout Association and the government, claiming that the government played a leading role in organizing the event while sidelining the scout group. However, the government refuted these claims, stating that they only provided support to the Korean Scout Association.
The World Scout Jamboree is known as the world’s largest youth camp, bringing young scouts from around the globe every four years. Last August’s event was plagued with problems from start to finish. Children fainted in extreme heat, with inadequate food supplies. An independent panel reported on medical facilities’ issues such as clinics without 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 preparation status. The report highlighted significant challenges and deficiencies in safety, security, medical support, food supply, sanitation and hygiene management. Additionally, it criticized the government for taking on an active role as a de facto organizer which resulted in structural and coordination complications.
In response to these allegations, the South Korean government stated that they had only provided support to the Korean Scout Association during planning and execution phases but took no charge of organizational duties. They also claimed that they had worked closely with international scouting organizations throughout their preparations for last year’s Jamboree.
Despite this denial of responsibility by
