430 Disputes Over Non-Wearing of Masks Despite Mandatory Public Transport Rule... Assault and Injury Most Common

232 Cases Referred, 11 People Also Detained

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] Since the mandatory wearing of masks on public transportation was implemented in May this year to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), it has been revealed that 430 people have been booked due to disputes over mask-wearing on public transportation.

According to data submitted by the National Police Agency to Assemblyman Han Byung-do of the Democratic Party from the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee on the 4th, as of the 3rd of last month, 430 cases were recorded involving charges such as assaulting drivers or obstructing operations related to not wearing masks. Among these, 232 cases were sent to the prosecution with a recommendation for indictment, and 145 cases are still under investigation. Eleven individuals with serious charges were detained.

By type of crime, assault and injury accounted for the highest number with 184 cases. This was followed by obstruction of business with 171 cases, 28 cases where the aggravated punishment provisions for assaulting drivers under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (Special Act) were applied, and 12 cases of threats. By mode of transportation, 230 cases occurred on buses, 144 on taxis, and 56 on subways and other rail transit. By region, Seoul recorded 164 cases, Gyeonggi 109, Busan 30, and Incheon 29, in that order.

Assemblyman Han stated, "As mask-wearing on public transportation has become mandatory, incidents and accidents involving passengers who do not comply are increasing," and added, "Not wearing a mask is a violation of quarantine rules and an act that threatens public safety, so strict punishment should be enforced."

He further suggested, "Since a fine of 100,000 won will be imposed from the 13th for not wearing a mask, the government and local governments should actively promote and guide the public."

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