Police Take Strict Action Against 'Blatant' Mask Non-Compliance and Assault... 198 Cases Referred

6 Arrested Since Public Transport Mask Mandate
Zero Tolerance Policy...Special Task Force Leads Investigation
Quarantine Obstruction Including False Movement Reports
13 Cases Referred, 4 Arrested

On the morning of the 27th, a man in his 50s without a mask caused a disturbance by using violence against passengers who requested him to wear a mask on a train passing near Dangsan Station on Seoul Subway Line 2.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Amid the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), incidents and accidents caused by 'not wearing masks' have been occurring frequently, prompting the police to take strict measures.

The National Police Agency announced on the 30th that it has received 385 reports of assaults related to disputes over mask-wearing on public transportation, and among them, 198 cases have been sent to the prosecution with a recommendation for indictment. Investigations are ongoing for the remaining 145 cases.

In particular, since the mandatory mask-wearing on public transportation was enforced on May 26, six individuals who boarded buses, subways, and taxis without masks and caused disturbances have been arrested. Most recently, on the 27th of this month, a man in his 50s was arrested for assaulting other passengers who requested him to wear a mask on a train passing through Dangsan Station on Seoul Subway Line 2.

With the resurgence of COVID-19, social distancing level 2 has been declared nationwide, and mask-wearing indoors and outdoors has been made mandatory in 13 out of 17 cities and provinces across the country. Violations of these quarantine guidelines may result in fines of up to 3 million KRW or penalties of up to 100,000 KRW.

The police plan to strictly enforce the law under a zero-tolerance policy against acts that violate quarantine rules such as not wearing masks and violence against people requesting compliance. In particular, if offenders continue their actions despite police and citizen intervention, they will be arrested on the spot, and in serious cases, a special task force will take charge of the investigation and detention.

Additionally, the police will actively respond to ongoing obstruction of epidemiological investigations by members of Sarang Jeil Church and participants of the Gwanghwamun rally on Liberation Day. Currently, 59 cases of obstruction of epidemiological investigations are under investigation, with 13 cases sent to prosecution with a recommendation for indictment. Among them, four individuals have been detained.

A National Police Agency official stated, "Voluntary participation of the public is most important to prevent the spread of COVID-19," and urged, "We ask for active cooperation with health authorities' measures, including compliance with quarantine rules, by demonstrating mature civic consciousness."

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