[Comprehensive] "Mom, can't I go to school again?" Will the Gwangbokjeol Rally Cause Nationwide COVID-19 Spread?

Health Authorities: "More Confirmed Cases Expected at Jeilsarang Church"
Citizens: "COVID-19 Had Just Calmed Down, What Is This?" Frustration
PC Rooms Also 'High Risk' Must Wear Masks... 'Social Distancing' Level 2

On the afternoon of the 15th, participants of a rally condemning the government and ruling party, hosted by Sarang Jeil Church and Jayu Yeondae, filled Sejong-daero in front of Donghwa Duty Free Shop in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The social distancing recommendation by health authorities below the photo seems ineffective. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] As the government has raised the 'social distancing' level back to Level 2 for Seoul and Gyeonggi areas, criticism continues over the gatherings of believers belonging to Sarang Jeil Church led by Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon. More than 100 confirmed COVID-19 cases have emerged from the church, and concerns are growing that the virus might spread nationwide due to the attendees forcibly participating in the gatherings.

On the 14th, Seoul City issued an administrative order banning gatherings under Article 49 of the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act. However, that afternoon, the Seoul Administrative Court permitted gatherings only for two groups: the 4·15 Election Fraud National Struggle Headquarters led by former United Party lawmaker Min Kyung-wook, and 'Ilpamanpa.'

As a result, most attendees who did not receive permission gathered at the 'Ilpamanpa' rally site set up in front of Dongwha Duty Free Shop in Gwanghwamun. Accordingly, attendees from Sarang Jeil Church led by Pastor Jeon and the Freedom Solidarity, who had originally applied to hold the rally near Gyeongbokgung Station, participated at Dongwha Duty Free Shop instead.

As participants gathered, the Sejong-daero rally in front of Dongwha Duty Free Shop, which 'Ilpamanpa' had reported as a 100-person event, reportedly exceeded 5,000 participants.

On the afternoon of the 15th, a rally condemning corruption in the Moon Jae-in administration, abuse of power by Choo Mi-ae, and sexual harassment by Democratic Party local government heads was held in front of Donghwa Duty Free Shop in Jongno-gu, Seoul, hosted by Sarangjeil Church and the Liberty Solidarity. [Image source=Yonhap News]

The problem is that COVID-19 confirmed cases have emerged from Sarang Jeil Church. As of 2 p.m. on the previous day (the 15th), the church had a cumulative total of 134 confirmed cases. Due to the gatherings where 'social distancing' was not observed, it is uncertain when and where additional confirmed cases may occur.

Since the church is located in Seoul, most confirmed cases were concentrated in Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon, but related confirmed cases also appeared in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, and additional cases were reported in Seosan and Cheonan, Chungnam Province. With confirmed cases emerging outside the metropolitan area, there is a possibility that COVID-19 could spread nationwide once again.

Consequently, voices condemning the situation continue online. A Twitter user posted the previous day, "My daughter saw the Gwanghwamun rally on the news," and said, "My daughter asked, 'Are we not going to school again?' I was so angry and frustrated."

Kim, a man in his 40s who witnessed the Gwanghwamun rally, said, "There is freedom of assembly, but isn't this an emergency situation now?" and raised his voice, "What do they plan to do if COVID-19 spreads among citizens? This is really too much."

Another office worker in his 30s, Park, expressed frustration, saying, "I thought COVID-19 was finally calming down, but it seems like it will spread again."

On the afternoon of the 15th, a rally condemning corruption in the Moon Jae-in administration, abuse of power by Choo Mi-ae, and sexual harassment by Democratic Party local government heads was held in front of Donghwa Duty Free Shop in Jongno-gu, Seoul, hosted by Sarangjeil Church and Jayuyonda. A participant at the rally is waving a placard with the phrase "Is the country yours?" [Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, under the Level 2 'social distancing' policy, when using certain facilities such as PC rooms, restaurants above a certain size, and religious facilities, quarantine rules must be followed for the time being.

With this measure, sports games and domestic athletic competitions will again be held without spectators, and remote classes are recommended in places where large-scale investigations and tests are conducted due to COVID-19 cluster outbreaks.

On the 15th regular briefing, Kwon Jun-wook, Deputy Director of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, explained, "It is very regrettable that the recommended rules for religious facilities were not followed. During the epidemiological investigation, uncooperative behavior has also been identified."

He added, "In the case of Seongbuk Sarang Jeil Church, as of 2 p.m. today, 134 cases have been identified, but the number is expected to increase. Since the residences are distributed nationwide, faster measures, active cooperation, and all-out efforts are required."

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