Debate Over Repeated Academy Openings: "It's Okay" vs. "Still Risky"

Gangnam and Seocho Districts, Major Academy Areas, 83.1% of Academies and Private Institutes 'In Session'
Students "No More Closures" vs "Infection Risk Still High"
Government "Join 'Social Distancing'"... Experts "Reduce Personal Contact"

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues for an extended period, the number of academies opening this week is increasing, leading to conflicts surrounding this issue. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] "Our academy has a management system, so it's okay.", "If we rest any longer here, shouldn't we get a refund?"

As the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation prolongs, the number of academies opening from this week is increasing, sparking controversies. Among students, voices welcoming the reopening coexist with concerns about the spread of infection.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, as of the 17th, only 6,001 out of 25,231 academies and private tutoring centers in Seoul, accounting for 23.8%, have closed following government recommendations. This is a decrease of 18.3 percentage points compared to the closure rate of 42.1% (10,627 places) at the same time on the 13th.

In particular, 83.1% of academies and tutoring centers in Gangnam and Seocho districts, representative academy areas, have opened. This means 8 out of 10 academies have reopened.

Earlier, the Korea Academy Federation requested, "Until the 15th, actively participate in closures, but considering the varying severity of COVID-19 by region and academy, allow flexible closures from the 16th."

Students' reactions are mixed. One test-taker who welcomed the reopening said, "Since we have already rested for two weeks, I think we should not close any longer," adding, "I'm paying a lot to study, and if classes keep getting canceled, it will disrupt my exams. I will definitely attend from this week."

A(25), preparing for a civil service exam, said, "Haven't we already rested as the government recommended?" and raised his voice, "The academy is already measuring students' temperatures and attaching stickers according to their condition. I think there is no problem because of this."

At academies where stickers are attached based on students' conditions, students entering classrooms have their temperatures measured; those with normal temperatures receive green stickers, while students in poor condition are given orange or red stickers for distinction.

The problem is that the risk of droplet (saliva) infection increases as more students attend classes. This has led to concerns such as "Isn't it a reckless decision during the peak of COVID-19?" and "No matter how well the academy manages, there could be asymptomatic carriers."

On January 30, when anxiety over the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) was growing, students were studying wearing masks at an academy in Daechi-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
Photo by Mun Honam munonam@asiae.co.kr

Housewife B(43) said, "Honestly, I think going to an academy is good for children's studies, but I believe we should not let our guard down yet," adding, "Young people can also die from COVID-19, and academies where many study in confined spaces seem more dangerous."

Some point out that places like academies, where crowds gather, are still risky. On the national petition board, petitions titled "Please order academies to close," and "Our children are at risk of 'COVID-19 mass infection' due to forced reopening of private academies. Please help!" have been posted.

In particular, the government still recommends the 'social distancing' and 'pause for a moment' campaigns. Kim Kang-lip, the first chief coordinator of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (Vice Minister of Health and Welfare), said at a briefing at the Government Sejong Complex on the 16th, "It is not yet the stage to announce the easing of 'social distancing'."

Kim said, "Efforts to block COVID-19 infection through social distancing are urgently needed, but it is very regrettable that the public's inconvenience has lasted for a long time and the socio-economic situation has worsened," adding, "The quarantine authorities recognize that the global pandemic of COVID-19 is now becoming full-scale. In this situation, social distancing is as essential as any government measures."

Experts urged reducing personal contact. Professor Lee Jaegap of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Hallym University Gangnam Sacred Heart Hospital appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' and pointed out, "There is a high possibility that viruses are on places frequently touched by hands, such as door handles and rings," and "If people without masks stay together for more than 20 to 30 minutes, the possibility of transmission inevitably increases."

Meanwhile, the government announced on the 17th, "If academy closures are not properly implemented, we will devise countermeasures."

Education Minister Yoo Eun-hye held a briefing at the Government Seoul Complex regarding the postponement of elementary, middle, and high school openings and said, "We once again appeal for academies to cooperate and participate in 'social distancing,'" adding, "If this is not properly done, we will have to consider other measures."

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