"What Do You Think About 'Cinema Closures' vs. 'Considering Livelihoods'?"

"End COVID-19 First... Close Movie Theaters" vs "Killing the Entire Film Industry"
Experts: "Compliance with In-Theater Quarantine Rules Is Most Important"
Health Authorities Extend Metropolitan Area Quarantine Measures Indefinitely

Around 4:30 PM on the 11th, at a movie theater in Mapo-gu, Seoul. A flyer announcing the Korean Film Council's "Spring Again at the Theater" event is posted. Photo by Ga-yeon Kim katekim221@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] As the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) continues to spread, debates among citizens regarding the 'closure of movie theaters' are ongoing. This follows the recent revelation that a confirmed COVID-19 patient visited a movie theater. Some citizens argue that "movie theaters, being enclosed spaces with a high risk of COVID-19 transmission, should be closed," while others raise their voices saying, "The film industry and its workers must be protected."

Experts believe that if personal preventive measures such as wearing masks are followed, the possibility of COVID-19 transmission inside movie theaters is low.

The Korean Film Council has been conducting a discount event called 'Spring Again at the Theater' since the 4th, distributing 6,000 KRW discount coupons for movie tickets valid from Thursday to Sunday for three weeks on a first-come, first-served basis. This is to revitalize the movie theater industry, which had been stagnant due to the spread of COVID-19.

Thanks to these efforts, the daily number of moviegoers, which had dropped to around 10,000 in April, exceeded 166,000 on the 6th. It is the first time in 98 days that the daily audience surpassed 150,000. Additionally, the number of viewers over the past weekend (May 5th to 7th) reached 402,000, marking the highest since the last week of February.

However, concerns about the spread of COVID-19 originating from enclosed spaces, including movie theaters, have resurfaced after it was revealed that patient number 70 in Gwanak-gu attended a preview screening at Lotte Cinema World Tower from 7:27 PM to 10:03 PM on the 8th. It is estimated that 471 people attended the screening. Lotte Cinema has completed disinfection and is currently operating normally.

Consequently, some voices are calling for the temporary closure of movie theaters. Although theaters have implemented 'seat distancing' by limiting some seat reservations to keep space in front, behind, and on both sides, some argue that this is practically ineffective. There are also concerns that frequent ventilation and disinfection are difficult because theaters are enclosed spaces.

In some other countries, theaters have been closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Movie theaters in the United States, including AMC, the world's largest cinema chain, were temporarily closed from March 20 due to the spread of COVID-19. AMC plans to resume operations next month after about four months of closure.

On the 11th, at a movie theater located in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the 'Safe Plus' campaign is being implemented to restrict the reservation of some seats.
Photo by Kay Kim katekim221@asiae.co.kr

On the other hand, some citizens, including those working in the film industry, have raised their voices saying, "Theaters should not be closed to protect the industry and workers." They point out that closing theaters could harm numerous related workers, including those in multiplex cinemas, small independent theaters, and film import, distribution, and promotion companies.

Previously, several independent theaters and filmmakers conducted the 'Save Our Cinema' challenge, a campaign to protect independent art cinemas. The challenge aimed to support independent art cinemas facing a crisis due to the impact of COVID-19.

Film industry insider Mr. B said, "As COVID-19 has continued for several months, small businesses other than a few well-known large companies are suffering greatly. We are already hearing news of closures here and there. Closing theaters entirely in this situation is like telling everyone to die."

Mr. B added, "Since preparations start months before a release, losses are already significant. It's not just the theaters; importers, distributors, PR agencies, design companies, and many other businesses suffer because there is no way to release films. Instead of simply saying theaters should be closed, we need to find ways to coexist, such as establishing more thorough preventive measures."

Experts unanimously agree that adhering to quarantine rules inside theaters is most important.

Professor Kim Woo-joo, an infectious disease specialist at Korea University Guro Hospital, emphasized, "Whether or not quarantine guidelines are followed is the most important factor. Although theaters are enclosed spaces where people gather closely and sit near each other, if preventive measures such as seat distancing and mask-wearing are properly followed according to government guidelines, the risk of infection can be low."

He added, "However, the risk naturally increases if masks are not worn. If people talk or eat without masks, droplets can spread, leading to transmission."

On the 11th, at a movie theater located in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Due to the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the 'Safe Plus' campaign is being implemented, which restricts the reservation of some seats. Photo by Kay Kim katekim221@asiae.co.kr

Professor Lee Eun-hee from Inha University's Department of Consumer Studies also repeatedly emphasized the importance of following basic quarantine guidelines such as seat distancing.

Professor Lee stated, "I believe people's health is more important than worker protection. Therefore, considering the end of COVID-19, I think temporary or partial closure measures are better."

However, she added, "Although the economic situation makes us anxious, like in New Zealand, the economy only starts to revive when the number of confirmed cases reaches zero. It is important to follow measures such as partial seat reservation restrictions currently in place rather than complete closure."

Meanwhile, the government has decided to extend the strengthened quarantine measures in the metropolitan area indefinitely.

The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) announced on the 12th that the strengthened quarantine measures in the metropolitan area, which were set to expire on the 14th, will be maintained until the number of new confirmed cases drops to single digits. Accordingly, measures such as suspension of operations of public facilities in the metropolitan area, refraining from operating high-risk facilities like entertainment bars, academies, and PC rooms, and limiting outdoor activities by metropolitan residents will continue.

Park Neung-hoo, the first deputy head of CDSCH, said at a briefing held at the Government Seoul Office, "These measures were prepared to minimize disruptions to school attendance and livelihood damage that could occur if we return to 'social distancing' while cutting the chain of cluster infections concentrated in the metropolitan area. If the daily number of new confirmed cases does not drop to single digits, we will consider stronger social distancing or moving to the next (quarantine) phase."

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