[Full Text] Hong Seok-cheon "I Understand the Worries About 'Outing,' But Now Is the Time to Be Brave"

A cluster infection of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that occurred at a club in Itaewon, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, has raised concerns that it could lead to forced outing of sexual minorities. In this context, broadcaster Hong Seok-cheon said, "Now is the time to be brave."
/Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Seul-gi] As the cluster infection of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) originating from Itaewon clubs in Yongsan-gu, Seoul raises concerns that it could lead to forced outing of sexual minorities, broadcaster Hong Seok-cheon said, "Now is the time to be courageous."

On the 12th, Hong Seok-cheon wrote on his Instagram, "Sexual minorities are basically afraid that their identity will be revealed to their family, acquaintances, and society," expressing this view.

On the same day, Hong said, "As someone who has long established a place in Itaewon, this incident is truly regrettable and worrisome, but above all, the fact that there are still so many people who have not been tested and cannot be contacted is the biggest concern."

On the 8th, citizens are passing in front of 'King Club' in Itaewon, Seoul, where a confirmed case of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) had visited. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

He added, "Of course, I know better than anyone how big the worry about 'outing' is. But right now, the health and safety of oneself, family, and society come first. Fortunately, anonymous testing is possible, so you should get tested immediately, even now," he emphasized.

He continued, "This is a difficult time for everyone. And everyone is working together to get out of this situation," adding, "I earnestly urge you to muster courage right now and take the test so that the efforts and hard work of the quarantine authorities, medical staff, and every citizen will not be in vain."

Earlier, as it became known that among the Itaewon clubs where the COVID-19 cluster infection occurred, there were facilities mainly used by sexual minorities, concerns about outing of sexual minorities continued. In response, the Seoul city government announced that it would minimize concerns about revealing visitors' sexual orientation through anonymous testing.

The full text of Hong Seok-cheon's Instagram post is as follows:

Now is the time to be courageous.

Because sexual minorities are basically afraid that their identity will be revealed to their family, acquaintances, and society.

Therefore, courage is needed.

As someone who has long established a place in Itaewon, this incident is truly regrettable and worrisome,

but above all, the fact that there are still so many people who have not been tested and cannot be contacted is the biggest concern.

Of course, I know better than anyone how big the worry about 'outing' is. But right now, the health and safety of oneself,

family, and society come first. Fortunately, anonymous testing is possible, so you should get tested immediately, even now.

This is a difficult time for everyone. And everyone is working together to get out of this situation.

I earnestly urge you to muster courage right now and take the test so that the efforts and hard work of the quarantine authorities, medical staff, and every citizen will not be in vain.

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