Seoul (AFP)
Nestled amid the neon lights of a Seoul neighborhood known for its nightlife, one of the oldest nightclubs in the South Korean capital, Club MWG, closed its doors this weekend due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Founded in 1994, Club MWG had its heyday in the 90s when underground nightclubs were still scarce in Seoul.
Located in the nightlife district of Hongdae, this intimate space that can accommodate 200 people owed its notoriety to the "indie" groups and famous DJs who performed there as well as to its LGBT parties.
But over the past decade the night club has faced increased competition.
And the novel coronavirus pandemic, which has repeatedly forced all Seoul nightclubs to close their doors since May, has dealt a fatal blow to Club MWG.
"I have the impression that my limbs are being torn off," owner Kim Eun-hui told AFP after her establishment closed.
To keep her club open, she has always fought, not hesitating to work as a construction worker, private teacher or even as a part-time housekeeper.
But since the restrictive measures taken to stem the epidemic took effect, she has failed to earn enough money to pay the facility's rent.
"I didn't want to give up ... but he ended up succumbing to the coronavirus," she regrets.
Cultural critics claim that this club helped make Hongdae a unique music scene in the 1990s.
He was then known for his underground concerts - from "indie" music to heavy metal - and for being frequented by a particularly exuberant youth.
"We have lost a symbol that represented Hongdae," said critic Kim Seong-su.
The regulars of this nightclub were overwhelmed by this news.
"I was so sad, I felt so bad that at one point I couldn't say anything," said Kim Jong-chun, 40, who had been there regularly for nearly twenty years.
"I liked the atmosphere there, which was very different from other places," said this former regular.
"I have been to other places but no other can ever replace Club MWG."
© 2020 AFP