"Mom Cafes More Problematic Than Novel Coronavirus" Controversy Over 'Witch Hunt' in Mom Cafes Following Confirmed Case Document Leak

Document Containing Personal Information of 16th Confirmed Case Posted on Mom Cafe
Some Claim "Isn't This the Work of Mom Cafe?" Without Evidence
Person Responsible for Document Leak Faces Charges Including Breach of Confidentiality

At 12:05 PM on the 4th, a public document containing personal information of the 16th confirmed case of the novel coronavirus was posted on an internet mom cafe in Gwangju, prompting the police to launch an investigation.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] A public document containing personal information of the 16th confirmed patient of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia) in the Gwangju area was posted on an internet mom cafe, prompting the police to launch an investigation.

Some are criticizing the mom cafe where the document was posted rather than the leaker, sparking a 'witch hunt' controversy. It is pointed out that the mere fact that the document was posted on the mom cafe further spread the situation.

The document was posted on a Gwangju internet mom cafe at 12:05 PM on the 4th. The 'Netizen Investigation Team' estimated that the document was produced in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, based on the organizational title 'Health Administration Department Infection Control Team' written in the document.

The document contained an overview of the occurrence, investigation details, measures taken, and future plans. Although anonymized, the patient's surname, age, gender, and residential area were clearly stated. The document included details from the initial symptom onset to hospital transfer. The patient's family members' ages, occupations, and the names of schools they attend were also specified.

Screening clinics are being further expanded by local governments to prepare for the influx and spread of the novel coronavirus infection. On the 30th of last month, staff were on duty at a screening clinic set up in front of the Jung-gu Public Health Center in Seoul.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

However, another controversy has arisen surrounding the leak of this document. The question is why this document was posted specifically on a mom cafe. Some point out that the mom cafe's characteristic zealotry has exacerbated the situation.

A 39-year-old office worker A, who said they follow news related to the novel coronavirus daily, stated, "The leak of the document is a problem, but it seems the mom cafe is causing an even bigger issue," and added, "If the leaker is found to be a member of the mom cafe, I think this will be an even bigger problem."

Another office worker in their 30s, B, also said, "Whenever something happens, various unverified claims come out on the mom cafe, so I think the document leak should be understood in this context," and criticized, "I don't understand why various disturbances keep happening on the mom cafe."

On the other hand, there are differing opinions. A 40-year-old office worker C said, "We should criticize the person who leaked the document and violated the law, not the place where the document was leaked," and criticized, "Anyone can see this is a witch hunt."

The police are considering applying charges such as official secrets leakage or violation of the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act against the person responsible for leaking the document.

According to current law (Article 127 of the Criminal Act), "If a public official or a former public official leaks secrets related to their duties under the law, they shall be punished by imprisonment or detention for not more than two years or disqualification for not more than five years."

Also, the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act stipulates in Articles 74 and 77 that "A person engaged in or formerly engaged in infectious disease-related work who leaks secrets learned through their duties to others shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than three years or a fine not exceeding 30 million won."

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