"Why Discount Now?" New Coronavirus Infection Concerns... Companies Face Backlash Over 'Discount Events'

Citizens "Individuals Should Be Careful" vs "Companies Must Restrain"
Industry Officials "Annual Events... We Are Focusing on Prevention"
Experts "Avoid Unnecessary Travel and Maintain Strict Personal Hygiene"

As it became known that discount events are being held to attract customers at crowded multi-use facilities such as amusement parks and theaters, controversy surrounding this issue has erupted. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] As of the 6th, the total number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia) has reached 23, leading to an increase in citizens avoiding crowded places. However, some industries are holding discount events that inevitably attract large crowds despite concerns about the novel coronavirus infection, raising criticisms that they may be insensitive to the risk of contagion.

Recently, cinemas such as CGV have been conducting various discount events. Lotte World also held a half-price comprehensive pass event for teenagers. This event offered a 50% discount on the comprehensive pass price for elementary, middle, and high school students and one accompanying person on three days this month: the 2nd, 20th, and 22nd. From the consumers' perspective, this event allows them to enjoy leisure activities at a low price.

The problem lies in the risk of novel coronavirus infection. Since many people participate in these discount events, crowds form, which inevitably increases the risk of coronavirus infection.

An office worker, A (27), said, "Since Wuhan pneumonia is spreading, I think companies should refrain from such events." He added, "I believe the risk of virus spread is higher in places with many people. It is not too late to hold these events after the situation calms down."

B, a person in their 20s, said, "It is already unsettling just to use public transportation, so why go to crowded places on purpose?" He raised his voice, saying, "Confirmed cases keep emerging, and scheduled events are being canceled, so I think it's better to be cautious. People who voluntarily go to such places during this time are a nuisance."

The industry stated that the events are not held solely for sales. A CGV representative told Asia Economy in a phone interview, "Since the novel coronavirus outbreak, customer visits have decreased compared to before." Regarding the ongoing events, they said, "These are not hastily arranged events for sales; they are annual events."

They added, "If personal hygiene is thoroughly maintained, the possibility of infection is low. We are putting more effort into disinfection after confirmed cases have visited."

A university student, C (24), said, "Isn't it enough for individuals to be careful? Just looking around, many friends consider wearing masks essential and carry hand sanitizers and soap." She added, "Since individuals are paying attention to hygiene, I think there is no problem using public places." She also stated, "I don't think people can avoid going to movie theaters or supermarkets because of the virus."

Another citizen, D, said, "I heard that companies are also suffering a lot because of the novel coronavirus. Although confirmed cases are increasing, we cannot just stop cultural activities or consumption." He pointed out, "If people criticize others for going to crowded places or blame companies for holding discount events, consumption will inevitably shrink."

Some voices of concern have also emerged, saying, "There will definitely be people who go despite the risks to save money," and "It seems like they are encouraging people to go to crowded places."

Experts advised refraining from unnecessary movement and maintaining strict personal hygiene. Jeon Byung-yul, professor of preventive medicine at CHA University College of Medicine (former director of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), appeared on YTN Radio's 'Noh Young-hee's Start of a New Morning' on the 3rd and emphasized, "The novel coronavirus infection is literally a respiratory infection. Therefore, it is neither airborne nor droplet (saliva droplet) infection." He stressed, "We should live our daily lives but minimize exposure to such risks by thoroughly following personal hygiene rules."

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