"Do You Have Any Stocks Related to Wuhan Pneumonia?" What Do You Think About Investing in Pneumonia Stocks?

"Pneumonia Stocks Have Risen a Lot?"
"Shall We Look Into Mask Factories?"
Global Concerns Over Novel Coronavirus... Some Invest in Stocks

A KakaoTalk open chat room. Participants in the room are discussing stocks related to the novel coronavirus. Photo by Open Chat Room capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "Looking for good pneumonia stocks recommendations," "How about OOO," "Shall we try short-term trading?"

As the whole world is gripped by fear of the novel coronavirus (Wuhan pneumonia), some people are seeking so-called 'Wuhan pneumonia stocks,' sparking controversy.

While some criticize investing in pneumonia-related stocks to make money as unethical, others argue that it is simply an individual choice in a capitalist market economy and that such criticism is excessive interference.

On the 31st, participants in a KakaoTalk open chat room were busy searching for pneumonia-related stocks day after day. Even at the moment when the World Health Organization declared a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern" (PHEIC) on the 30th (local time), they were still focused on finding related stocks.

A netizen attending the "Pneumonia Stocks" group chat suggested, "We should also take a look at the Nasdaq situation," proposing to check the global stock market status.

Another participant shared, "Mask-related stocks are not as promising as expected," revealing their investment status.

The group chat participants continued such conversations, focusing more on how much the related stocks rise and fall rather than concerns about infection from the "novel coronavirus."

As the novel coronavirus infection known as 'Wuhan pneumonia' spreads, on the 29th, citizens are lining up in long queues to buy masks at a pharmacy in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China. [Image source=Yonhap News]

However, there are criticisms that such behavior is unethical. Mr. A, a man in his late 30s who said he is usually interested in stocks, raised his voice, saying, "I also invest in stocks, but in this situation where thousands have been confirmed and deaths are occurring only in China, trying to make money from related stocks is incomprehensible." He added, "If they have that money, I wish they would donate it to help patients recover."

Another office worker in his 40s, Mr. B, said, "There are people who lack masks right now. I think buying masks and distributing them for free to vulnerable groups such as the poor would be a more valuable act."

On the other hand, there is a counterargument that it is a free act in a market economy. Mr. C, a man in his 30s, said, "Stock investment ultimately helps the market economy," and rebutted, "I don't think making money from pneumonia-related stocks is something to be criticized."

An expert pointed out that it is regrettable that people seem unable to empathize with others' pain. A sociology professor said, "(Investing in Wuhan pneumonia stocks) is not a wrong idea from an economic logic perspective," but added, "It seems to lack the ability to empathize with others' suffering."

On the afternoon of the 29th, amid concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus infection known as 'Wuhan pneumonia,' radiologists are inspecting mobile X-ray equipment at a screening clinic set up at St. Vincent's Hospital in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, the seventh confirmed case of novel coronavirus infection has occurred in South Korea. The Central Disease Control Headquarters announced today (31st) that one additional patient with novel coronavirus infection was confirmed in the country.

The seventh confirmed patient is a 28-year-old Korean male who entered Incheon Airport at 10:20 p.m. on the 23rd via Qingdao from Wuhan, China (Qingdao Airlines flight QW9901).

The patient had a slight cough on the 26th, showed cold symptoms on the 28th, and from the 29th developed clear symptoms such as fever around 37.7℃, cough, and sputum, and reported to the health center.

As a result of the health center's investigation, he was classified as a symptomatic subject under investigation, tested positive on the evening of the 30th, and was isolated at Seoul Medical Center.

The number of confirmed novel coronavirus infection patients in South Korea has increased to seven since the first confirmed case on the 20th. The six previously confirmed patients are currently isolated and receiving treatment.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.