Hwang Kyo-ik: "Banning Chinese Entry... Discrimination and Hatred"

Hwang Kyo-ik, Food Columnist / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] Amid growing concerns over the novel coronavirus (Wuhan pneumonia) infection, food columnist Hwang Kyo-ik pointed out that the calls to ban Chinese nationals from entering the country are discriminatory and hateful.

On the 2nd, Hwang wrote on his Facebook, "'Ban on Chinese entry' contains feelings of discrimination and hatred toward Chinese citizens. This is because Chinese people themselves are not the novel coronavirus," adding, "Although the novel coronavirus originated in China, discrimination and hatred against Chinese people should not occur."

He said, "The opinion that a 'barrier' is needed between China and Korea to prevent the domestic inflow of the novel coronavirus should be respected," but added, "When expressing this in words, discrimination and hatred must be avoided."

He further explained, "It is correct to argue that 'foreigners who have resided in or transited through China should be banned from entering Korea,'" but "Koreans should not be denied entry even if they have resided in or transited through China, according to the principle of protecting nationals."

Photo by Hwang Kyo-ahn Facebook capture

Earlier, some businesses began banning Chinese nationals from entering due to concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus. Additionally, there have been calls to implement a ban on Chinese entry to prevent further spread.

Meanwhile, on the 4th, the government decided to completely ban the entry of all foreigners who have stayed or visited Hubei Province, China, within the past 14 days. Korean nationals will also be subject to a 14-day self-quarantine after entry, and in consultation with Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, the visa-free entry system under the Jeju Special Act will be temporarily suspended.

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