Once Again 'Corona Hypochondria'... 40-Year-Old Man Accused of Assault Claims "I Was Infected with Corona"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] A man in his 40s who was arrested by the police on assault charges caused a commotion by lying that he was infected with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) while being investigated.

On the 17th, the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul arrested Mr. A, in his early 40s, on the spot and investigated him for swinging a fist at an employee who tried to stop him after he caused a disturbance while drinking at a club in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul that morning.

During the police investigation, Mr. A suddenly revealed that he was "infected with COVID-19." He reportedly stated, "I recently traveled abroad and was infected with COVID-19." Following this, paramedics who were dispatched after the police report measured his temperature, causing a commotion.

The temperature measurement showed that Mr. A's temperature was normal. It was also confirmed that he had no history of foreign travel. The day before, Mr. A had also called 112, saying he thought he was infected with COVID-19, but test results showed no symptoms.

The police are reviewing whether to apply charges of obstruction of official duties, suspecting that Mr. A made a false report related to COVID-19 infection. It is known that Mr. A has multiple prior convictions, including assault.

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