"Unauthorized Departure During Self-Quarantine... Poor Conduct" 60s Overseas Entrant Fined 2 Million Won

Cheongju District Court. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Park Hee-eun] A man in his 60s who entered the country from overseas and left his residence without permission during the 2-week self-quarantine period for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) was sentenced to a fine.

On the 22nd, Kim Ryong, Chief Judge of Criminal Division 4 at Cheongju District Court, announced that A (63), who was prosecuted for violating the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act, was sentenced to a fine of 2 million won.

The court stated, "The crime of violating related laws during a serious period of COVID-19 spread is of a bad nature."

However, the court explained the sentencing reason, saying, "Considering that the distance of departure was short, there were no contacts, and the defendant tested negative, so no further transmission occurred."

A was previously brought to trial on charges of leaving his residence without permission during the 2-week self-quarantine period after entering from New Zealand on April 19.

According to the investigation, it was confirmed that A left his home located in Namimyeon, Seowon-gu, Cheongju City, four days after starting self-quarantine and traveled a round trip distance of 600 meters before being caught by quarantine authorities.

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