Seungro Lee, Seongbuk-gu Mayor, Sparks Attention with 'Wearing a Mask on a Hot Day' Post on Personal SNS

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] As the Nth wave of COVID-19 infections spreads, personal mask-wearing and hand hygiene have become more important than ever. In this context, a post titled "Wearing a Mask on a Hot Day" written by Lee Seung-ro, the mayor of Seongbuk-gu, is gaining attention.

On the 3rd, Mayor Lee shared on his personal SNS the difficulties he experienced while wearing a mask in the heat. He candidly confessed, “Even before the full onset of the heat, just a little running or movement while wearing a mask makes me short of breath and sweaty, making me desperately want to take it off quickly.”

However, he reflected more deeply on the hardships of those who have worn masks as part of their daily lives even before the COVID-19 outbreak, citing the efforts of public officials responsible for city cleanliness under the scorching sun and firefighters protecting lives and property at fire scenes.

Since the spread of COVID-19, he also mentioned the sweat drops on the foreheads of public health center staff who must wear protective suits along with masks to safeguard residents’ health and safety, as well as residents who assist with neighborhood disinfection efforts, saying these images remain vivid in his mind.

Mayor Lee proposed, “Let’s give a ‘thumbs up’ cheer to those who silently work hard for our safety and health, bringing a refreshing breeze to their hearts.” He concluded his post by pledging to strictly adhere to mask-wearing and hand hygiene despite feeling short of breath and sweaty as the heat intensifies, and urged residents, children, and adolescents to join in.

In response to Mayor Lee’s appeal, residents left supportive comments such as, “Masks feel suffocating and I want to take them off quickly, but I will endure a little longer for those who are working hard,” “Children must find it hard to wear masks in the heat, but since they are enduring well, adults should set a good example,” and “It’s uncomfortable and hot even for a moment, but those performing official duties are truly admirable.”

Mayor Lee expressed, “I posted a brief reflection on my way to work, and I am surprised and grateful that many people responded and expressed willingness to participate.” He added, “As seen in various infection spread cases, COVID-19 continues to spread whenever there is a lapse in vigilance. Even if it is a bit uncomfortable, please think of those for whom this discomfort is daily life and practice more thorough mask-wearing, hand hygiene, and social distancing.”

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