Controversy Over Kim Mi-ae Wearing 'Mesh Mask' in Front of Jeong Eun-kyeong... Manufacturer Recommends Medical Supplies for Close Contact

Controversy Over Droplet Blocking Effect of Mesh Masks with Tiny Holes
MFDS: "Wearing Quasi-Drug Products Advisable During COVID-19"
Manufacturer: "Developed for Those Struggling to Breathe in Summer"

Kim Jong-in (center of the right row), Emergency Committee Chairman of the United Future Party, visited the Disease Control Headquarters in Osong, Chungbuk on the 21st and is seen conversing with Jung Eun-kyung (left row), Director of the Disease Control Headquarters. Kim Mi-ae, a United Future Party lawmaker sitting to the right of Chairman Kim, is seen wearing a mesh mask. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Ju-hyung] Controversy has erupted after it was revealed that Kim Mi-ae, an emergency committee member of the United Future Party, wore a so-called 'mesh mask' during a visit to the Disease Control Headquarters in Osong, Chungbuk, on the 21st, where she met with Director Jeong Eun-kyeong. According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS), commercial masks such as mesh masks have not been officially proven to block droplets (saliva particles).

At the time, a photo released after Kim Jong-in, the emergency committee chairman of the United Future Party, met with Director Jeong sparked controversy. In the photo, Kim, who accompanied Chairman Kim, is seen wearing a black mesh mask that is see-through.

After the photo was made public, some netizens criticized, saying, "It is irresponsible to wear a mask whose droplet blocking effect has not been proven while meeting the quarantine control tower."

One netizen wrote on social networking services (SNS), "It is absurd to wear a mesh mask in front of the person in charge of quarantine." Another netizen pointed out, "Do you really think a mask that looks like that blocks saliva droplets? You should wear a verified mask; this is too careless."

Mesh masks have tiny holes that make the inside visible and have recently been introduced and sold as summer masks on online shopping malls and SNS.

Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk is attending a trial held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the morning of the 14th. / Photo by Yonhap News

On the 14th, former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk also wore a white mesh mask when attending a trial at the Seoul Central District Court.

Manufacturers emphasize that these masks have excellent breathability and comfort, especially making it easier to breathe during the summer.

Mesh masks sold on an online shopping mall on the 25th. / Photo by Homepage Capture

Additionally, product descriptions mention that nano fabrics are used to block fine foreign substances and harmful particles. Some products even included self-test reports claiming a dust collection efficiency (KF ? the rate at which the mask filters out small dust particles when breathing) of 98%.

The problem is that these mesh masks have not officially received approval from the MFDS for droplet blocking performance.

In a press release issued on the 25th, the MFDS requested that people wear officially approved 'quasi-drug masks' because commercial masks such as mesh masks have not been officially proven to block droplets.

The MFDS explained, "In the situation of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), it is advisable to use quasi-drug masks approved by the MFDS when wearing masks. Quasi-drugs are products whose blocking performance against fine particles and droplets has been verified. Please check for the 'quasi-drug' label when purchasing masks."

Detailed information about a mesh mask manufacturer’s product. This product is not for medical use, and it is advised to wear quasi-drug products approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in places where there is contact with the public. / Photo by Homepage capture

In fact, detailed information on a nano mask product stated that the product is a commercial product with basic blocking functions, not a medical device.

According to this information, the manufacturer emphasized, "(Nano masks) are summer products developed for those who find it difficult to breathe while wearing masks in the current situation where mask-wearing is mandatory," and added, "We recommend using masks with KF94 or higher for respiratory patients, the elderly, or in places with close human contact."

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