Differences Between Taiwan and Korea

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Taiwan is a country that has minimized damage through swift and decisive responses since the early stages of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) outbreak. Although it is a country with a higher dependence on China than South Korea, it locked down on January 22, blocking entry from Wuhan and strongly restricting the entry of foreigners who visited mainland China and Chinese-speaking regions. There was no political calculation or appeasement toward China in the government's response. The only decision was to prioritize health stability over the economy. As a result, the number of confirmed cases remains only 45 (1 death) to date.

On the other hand, South Korea failed in its initial response to COVID-19 and is suffering the second largest outbreak after China. As of midnight on the 9th, the number of confirmed cases reached 7,313 (50 deaths). Hundreds of new cases occur daily, and public concern remains high. Consequently, public petitions at the Blue House demanding temporary entry restrictions on Chinese nationals are intensifying, and recommendations from expert groups such as the Medical Association and the Infectious Disease Society continue. However, the government is still preoccupied with appeasing China. On the 27th of last month, Blue House spokesperson Kang Min-seok stated in a briefing, "The government’s decision not to fully restrict entry of Chinese nationals is the result of reviewing the best response measures while prioritizing the safety of our citizens," expressing the view that such restrictions lack effectiveness and benefits. It is disheartening to hear such remarks even after being blindsided by Japan.

Moreover, when the mask shortage crisis occurred, the government directly copied the system Taiwan introduced in January. The complete ban on mask exports, the limit of two masks per person per week, and the odd-even day purchase system were all introduced by Taiwan. In other words, while Taiwan protected its citizens with strong lockdown policies, our government made citizens line up from dawn, run around in all directions, and repeatedly come up empty-handed. The government deserves criticism, but good policies and exemplary cases should be learned from and utilized.

Starting today, the 'weekday purchase 5-part system' based on birth year is being implemented mainly at pharmacies. According to the last digit of the birth year on the resident registration number, individuals can purchase up to two masks per week. Those ending in 1 and 6 can buy on Monday, 2 and 7 on Tuesday, 3 and 8 on Wednesday, 4 and 9 on Thursday, and 5 and 0 on Friday. Saturdays and Sundays are for consumers who could not purchase during the weekdays. For example, someone born in 1980 can buy on Friday, and someone born in 1982 can buy on Tuesday. Although Taiwan has a significantly smaller territory and weaker national power compared to South Korea, it confidently raises its voice and earns the trust of its people. It is hoped that the government will gain trust and confidence from its citizens.

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