Sick and Heartbroken... COVID-19 Patients Cry Twice Amid Witch Hunts

Confirmed Patients Suffer from Fake News... Focus on Patient 31 Identified as Super Spreader
"Discharge Riot" "Shincheonji Work Obstruction"... Police Investigation Finds No Truth

Experts Say "Confirmed Patients Are Also Victims"... Excessive Criticism Leads to Secondary Harm
Suspected Patients May Refuse COVID-19 Treatment and Testing More Frequently

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] "It's too much to call someone who is quietly receiving treatment a troublemaker."

Unverified rumors surrounding confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) are spreading indiscriminately. There are concerns that such 'witch hunts' may cause other suspected patients to hesitate in seeking medical treatment or testing.

This phenomenon is particularly focused on Patient No. 31, A (61, female), who was recently confirmed positive. As of the 20th, A is hospitalized in the negative pressure ward of Daegu Medical Center. Known as a member of the religious group 'Shincheonji,' A was hospitalized due to a traffic accident but went out to places such as churches and wedding halls, and reportedly refused COVID-19 testing twice. During this process, a large number of additional confirmed cases emerged among those who had contact with A. A was labeled a so-called 'super spreader' and became the center of public criticism.

It is understood that A is aware of the widespread criticism directed at her. According to our investigation, A learned from nurses at Daegu Medical Center, where she is hospitalized, that many acquaintances she had contact with were confirmed positive and that she was identified as a super spreader. A Shincheonji Daegu Church official stated, "A is suffering from tremendous guilt, feeling that the virus spread because of her."

A closure notice is posted at the emergency room of Hanyang University Hospital in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, where a COVID-19 confirmed patient without overseas travel history was identified on the 19th. Medical staff are moving busily. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

On the 19th, 'malicious fake news' related to A spread through social networking services (SNS) and other channels. The news claimed that A "struggled demanding discharge, removed a nurse's mask who was trying to restrain her, and attempted a physical fight." There were also reports that "many patient family members and Shincheonji believers flooded the hospital, disrupting operations." However, the Daegu Metropolitan Police Agency confirmed that these claims were entirely false. A reportedly learned of this news through a nurse. Hearing that not only she but also church members were being subjected to a witch hunt due to fake news, A is said to be showing psychological distress.

This is not the first time fake news has spread about a specific confirmed patient. Previously, Patient No. 3, B, was criticized as a 'super spreader' after contacts No. 6 and 28, who had contact with B, were confirmed as secondary infections. There were also rumors that B deliberately concealed the COVID-19 diagnosis and wandered around. An official from Myongji Hospital, where Patient No. 3 was hospitalized, said, "B recently visited the hospital and pleaded, 'I want to live as a forgotten person now.'"

Experts have expressed caution against indiscriminate witch-hunt style public opinion. Professor Lim Myung-ho of Dankook University's Department of Psychology stated, "It is necessary to recognize that confirmed patients are also victims, and the term 'super spreader' should not be used," adding, "If excessive personal information digging or criticism continues, it could lead to secondary harm." He further warned, "If such witch hunts continue, more people may feel reluctant to get tested, like Patient No. 31."

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