Even During the COVID Era... Press Conferences Show No 'Pause'

Full Ban on Gatherings of 10 or More Imposed
But Civic Group Press Conferences Are 'Ongoing'

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] Despite the re-spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and the prohibition of many activities related to daily life, civic groups poured out onto the streets without 'rest.'

On the 31st, a press conference by conservative groups was held in front of the Admiral Yi Sun-sin statue at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. A group named the 'Citizen Emergency Committee Against COVID-19 Martial Law Devastating the Common Economy' held a declaration of the current situation at 11 a.m. in front of the Yi Sun-sin statue at Gwanghwamun Square. They defined the government's quarantine policy as 'COVID-19 martial law' and urged, "Stop the excessive quarantine measures that burn down the thatched cottage to catch bedbugs." At 2 p.m. on the same day, a press conference reporting the 815 Gwanghwamun National Rally, hosted by the 815 Gwanghwamun National Rally, was also scheduled to be held at this location.

The Seoul headquarters of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) also held a press conference at 11 a.m. in the KCTU Seoul headquarters auditorium to urge the legislative proposal of the Jeon Tae-il 3 Laws. At the same time, the Ilsa Gak-o Patriotic Pastors' Union (Ilmokyeon) held a joint prayer meeting and press conference in front of the National Assembly to block the Anti-Discrimination Act. In addition, the PT Free Democratic Union held a press conference demanding the resignation of Kim Jong-in, the emergency committee chairman of the United Future Party.

The Justice and Memory Foundation (Jeong-ui-yeon) has continued the Wednesday demonstrations near the Statue of Peace in front of the former Japanese Embassy in Jongno-gu until recently. However, considering the severity of the COVID-19 spread, Jeong-ui-yeon has conducted the Wednesday demonstrations via YouTube live broadcast with only fewer than 10 related personnel on-site since the 1453rd Wednesday demonstration on the 16th. Students belonging to the Anti-Abe Anti-Japan Youth Joint Action, who protect the Statue of Peace, are still engaged in a sit-in protest around the statue.

Since the 21st, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has completely banned gatherings of more than 10 people. This measure, initially set to last until the 30th of this month, has been extended for two weeks until the 13th of next month. However, despite Seoul's ban on gatherings, many civic groups continue to hold gatherings in the form of press conferences, which do not require prior notification.

According to Article 80, Clause 7 of the 'Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act,' organizers and participants of gatherings violating the ban may be fined up to 3 million won. The government and local governments also plan to claim compensation for damages such as treatment and quarantine costs due to confirmed cases.

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