If Caught Wearing a 'Teokseukeu', a Fine of 100,000 Won... Is Proper Enforcement Possible?

Mandatory Mask Wearing in Public Transport and Hospitals
Fines Imposed from November 13 After Guidance Period
Experts Say "Excessive Measure Given High Mask Wearing Rate"

The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] "Isn't it too late to impose fines after coming to Inje?", "I'm worried whether the enforcement will be properly observed."

As the government announced that starting from the 13th of next month, a fine of up to 100,000 won will be imposed for not wearing masks in multi-use facilities such as hospitals, some critics argue that this measure is an excessive policy with low effectiveness. Experts expressed concerns that the fine policy could increase citizens' fatigue in a situation where mask-wearing rates are already high.

Son Youngrae, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Welfare, explained at the regular briefing of the Central Disease Control Headquarters on the 4th, "Mask enforcement will be carried out in various places similar to how fines are imposed for smoking in non-smoking areas," adding, "When a violation is detected, the person will first be instructed to wear a mask, and if they fail to comply, a fine will be imposed according to the procedure."

The revised guidelines will undergo a 30-day grace period from the 13th of this month to the 12th of next month and will be fully implemented starting November 13.

The administrative order mandating mask-wearing will be applied differently depending on the social distancing level and the risk level of the facility. When social distancing is at level 1 or higher, 12 types of facilities including ▲entertainment bars ▲colateks ▲danran bars ▲emotional bars ▲hunting pochas ▲karaoke rooms ▲large academies (with 300 or more people) will be required to wear masks.

At social distancing level 2, ▲academies with fewer than 300 people (excluding tutoring centers with 9 or fewer students) ▲arcades ▲general restaurants above a certain size (150㎡ or more) ▲water parks ▲religious facilities ▲indoor wedding halls ▲performance venues ▲movie theaters ▲bathhouses and saunas ▲indoor sports facilities ▲multi-rooms and DVD rooms ▲funeral halls ▲PC rooms, etc. are also included.

In particular, mesh-type masks that cover both the nose and mouth but have not been proven to block droplets, valve-type masks that may release infectious agents when exhaling, and clothing items such as scarves are not recognized as masks. The so-called 'tuck masks' that do not fully cover the mouth and nose are also subject to fines.

However, those under 14 years old, people with developmental disabilities who find it difficult to put on or take off masks without assistance, or those with medical opinions stating difficulty in breathing when wearing masks are exempt from fines.

The government will implement an "Administrative Order for Mandatory Mask Wearing" to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) starting from the 13th. To avoid confusion, there will be a 30-day guidance period, and from the 13th of next month, violators will be fined up to 100,000 won. The photo shows citizens wearing masks at Gwanghwamun Intersection in Seoul on the afternoon of the 4th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Some critics point out that the numerous exceptions to the fine imposition make enforcement ambiguous and express concerns.

Office worker Kim (27) said, "Citizens have not continuously failed to wear masks, so I wonder why this measure is suddenly being implemented," adding, "I also don't know if they can properly catch citizens not wearing masks. How will they catch people who suddenly wear masks properly after continuously wearing 'tuck masks'?"

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, no fines will be imposed when washing the face, eating or drinking, undergoing medical procedures (such as surgery), being in water such as swimming pools or bathhouses, or in situations where the face must be shown for identity verification. For example, mask non-wearing is exceptionally allowed while eating or drinking in restaurants above a certain size.

Another office worker Lee (25) said, "I support the fine imposition," but pointed out, "Clear standards need to be established." He added, "For example, office workers gather in food courts during lunch hours, so specific standards on how to enforce mask non-wearing in such cases should be set."

Originally, in May, mask-wearing on public transportation was mandated to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but since the enforcement was left only to drivers, there were criticisms that mask-wearing was not properly observed. Drivers were allowed to restrict or refuse boarding to passengers not wearing masks.

However, this led to frequent disputes between drivers and passengers. Since May, there have been as many as 430 cases of prosecutions for assaulting drivers or obstructing operations.

In May, citizens wearing masks are using buses at the Seoul Station Transfer Center. The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Consequently, concerns have been raised that conflicts may also occur during enforcement of this new measure. According to the revised guidelines, local government officials can guide and inspect citizens' mask-wearing and impose fines on facility users or workers.

University student Lee (25) said, "I'm worried that trying to catch people not wearing masks might cause more incidents or accidents," adding, "Also, what if people wearing 'tuck masks' deny and claim they are wearing masks properly?"

Experts pointed out that implementing such measures in a situation where mask-wearing rates are already high is excessive.

Professor Kim Woojoo of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Korea University Guro Hospital said, "Citizens are already wearing masks well. I wonder if it is necessary to go as far as imposing fines," adding, "Such measures can be taken if mask-wearing rates drop or problems arise. But compared to other countries, since citizens already wear masks as a necessity, these guidelines are excessive."

He continued, "I don't think the number of confirmed cases will decrease further because of the fine imposition," adding, "Even without this measure, many citizens are already wearing masks properly."

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