Government: "Legal punishment difficult for Kim Jaejoong over 'COVID-19 lies'" (Update)

Singer Kim Jaejoong. Source=CJES Entertainment

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The government stated that it is difficult to legally punish singer Kim Jaejoong, who caused controversy by falsely claiming to have tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Since the falsehood was made on personal social network services (SNS) rather than during an epidemiological investigation or medical treatment, it does not fall under punishment according to the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act.

Yoon Tae-ho, head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters' quarantine team, said at a regular briefing held at the Government Complex Sejong on the 2nd, "If false information is provided to epidemiological investigators or medical personnel during an epidemiological investigation or medical treatment, punishment can be imposed under the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act."

Yoon explained, "In Kim's case, it does not fall under either of these two scenarios," adding, "The falsehood was posted on SNS, causing social controversy."

He stated, "While punishment under the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act is difficult, it is necessary to see if there are other areas of punishment," but also noted, "From a legal punishment perspective, it is much more desirable to exercise caution in such statements or expressions on SNS."

Earlier, the government urged restraint in making false statements related to COVID-19 on April Fools' Day. Kim Kang-lip, the first chief coordinator of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, emphasized, "Today (the 1st) is April Fools' Day, which originated in the West, but this is a very serious time," adding, "I would like to reiterate that this is not a social atmosphere where prank calls or misinformation can be tolerated."

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