US Media "COVID-19 Spread at Itaewon Clubs... Concerns Over Discrimination Against Korean Sexual Minorities"

On the 8th, citizens are passing in front of the 'King Club' in Itaewon, Seoul, which was visited by a confirmed case of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Hyung-gil] As cluster infections of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) spread, centered around clubs in Itaewon, Seoul, concerns about discrimination against sexual minorities are growing, according to a U.S. media report.

The U.S. economic media outlet Business Insider reported on the 9th (local time) that "a 29-year-old man who tested positive for COVID-19 on the 6th visited five nightclubs in Itaewon in one night during the early holiday this month, many of which are known to be frequented mainly by sexual minorities, causing fear among sexual minorities that they might be discriminated against in society."

It also introduced the atmosphere in Korea, stating, "Some media outlets have covered the COVID-19 situation occurring in places mainly visited by sexual minorities in a detailed and sensational manner, leading to fears of discrimination within the sexual minority community."

The outlet further noted, "Although Korea does not legally prohibit homosexuality and the atmosphere of acceptance toward sexual minorities is spreading, discrimination is still widespread," and added, "While the Korean government's 'infection tracking' model, implemented alongside the easing of social distancing on the 6th due to COVID-19, has been highly praised, concerns about privacy invasion have followed."

The media added, "As the impact grew, some media deleted references to 'gay bars' in their articles and revised headlines, but no apologies were issued."

Meanwhile, the New York Times (NYT) reported that other countries, which are promoting lockdown easing but are concerned about a 'second wave,' are closely monitoring the cluster infection situation in Korea that occurred after the recent easing of restrictions.

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