"Should Have Refrained" vs "Excessive Criticism": Celebrity 'Social Distancing' Controversy Debate

Netizens 'Angry' at Celebrities Going Out During Social Distancing
Koreans More Worried About Harming Others Than COVID-19 Infection
Experts Say "Excessive Criticism Leads to Hate"

Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon, Intern Reporter Kang Joo-hee] Amid concerns over the resurgence of COVID-19 infections originating from clubs in Itaewon, Seoul, recent outings by celebrities during the 'social distancing' period have sparked controversy.

As the infectious disease spreads, opinions are divided between those who believe that external activities such as using group facilities should have been "refrained from" and those who argue that "interest and criticism of celebrities' private lives are excessive."

Experts have expressed concern that anxiety and stress caused by the impact of COVID-19 may manifest as excessive anger toward others, potentially leading to hate.

On the 18th, a media outlet reported that members of a famous idol group visited two restaurants and entertainment venues in the Itaewon area from the evening of the 25th to the early morning of the 26th of last month.

Although this period was before the first confirmed case of the Itaewon cluster infection (Patient No. 66 in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province) on the 6th, the public criticized those who visited clubs and bars during a time when strict social distancing measures were in place.

As criticism of these individuals grew, controversy intensified when it was reported that on the 20th, during the 'everyday distancing' period, celebrities and other famous figures attended a birthday party for a well-known fashion industry figure, Mr. A, in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul.

The celebrities who attended the birthday party immediately issued official statements explaining that they had only stopped by briefly to deliver gifts at the invitation of close acquaintances.

However, since this was after the Itaewon club cluster infection occurred, questions arose about whether they should have refrained from going out.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Netizens continued with strong criticism, saying things like, "It is irresponsible behavior to enjoy a party while the entire nation is practicing social distancing," and "Regardless of the location, seeing dozens of people gathering to party without wearing masks is really unpleasant."

On the other hand, there are also many voices expressing concern that excessive interference and criticism of celebrities' private lives are occurring.

In a post on an online community, netizen B said, "Going to a club was wrong, but some celebrities just enjoyed a birthday party with close friends, and the criticism seems too harsh. Are celebrities not even allowed to go out?"

B added, "Social distancing means refraining from using group facilities, not completely avoiding going out. Everyone goes out to some extent. If they did not directly harm others, I think excessive criticism is too much."

In February, citizens wearing masks due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection were passing through the Yeouido area in Seoul./Photo by Yonhap News

According to a survey, people feel greater anxiety about the possibility of asymptomatic infected individuals nearby or those violating self-quarantine than about themselves becoming infected with COVID-19.

Professor Yoo Myeong-soon of Seoul National University Graduate School of Public Health conducted a five-phase survey of 1,000 citizens from January 31 to May 15. The results showed that 67.5% responded that they were afraid of asymptomatic infected people around them, and 62.3% were afraid of those who do not get tested or self-quarantine despite symptoms. In contrast, 54.6% said they were afraid of becoming infected themselves.

Additionally, when asked what they worried about most if infected, 33.2% answered "the impact my infection would have on others," which was higher than concerns about economic or health effects, each at 25%.

Given the strong fear of causing inconvenience to others, there is also an increasing anger toward those who do not properly follow quarantine guidelines such as social distancing and self-quarantine.

Experts warn that this expression of anger toward others due to anxiety may lead to hate.

Professor Kwak Geum-joo of Seoul National University's Department of Psychology explained, "In a situation where the risk of COVID-19 transmission is high, people experience extreme stress and anxiety unlike before. In such circumstances, when I am practicing social distancing but see others not doing so, I feel dissatisfaction. Especially for celebrities, since this is visible to the public, criticism is inevitable."

She added, "Although concerns about the infectious disease are significant, people cannot completely avoid going out. If they comply with essential quarantine guidelines, excessive criticism toward others should be restrained. Excessive criticism and expressions of anger can fuel mutual hatred."

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