Exhausted from Mask Life... Fined Too, Feeling Like Can't Breathe 'Tuk'

Complaints of Headache and Breathing Difficulties After Prolonged Wearing
Experts Recommend Briefly Removing It in Unpopulated Areas When Feeling Stuffy

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] Office worker Jung Mo (36, female) spends most of her time wearing a mask except when she is at home. She often experiences headaches and a feeling of stuffiness due to prolonged mask use. Especially during commuting hours when she comes into contact with many unspecified people, she wears a KF94 mask, which she says makes breathing difficult. Jung said, "I want to take it off and catch my breath even for a moment, but I have to keep wearing it because of the disapproving looks from people around me and the enforcement measures."

As the COVID-19 pandemic has prolonged, mask-wearing has become a part of daily life, already exceeding eight months. Wearing a mask during outdoor activities is considered basic etiquette. Many people experience headaches, stress, and discomfort, but since everyone is in the same situation, there is nowhere to complain.

The biggest concern is the gaze of others. The term "mask villain" has become popular, referring to someone seen as "rude and harmful to those around them," causing worry about being labeled as such. Additionally, with the new Infectious Disease Prevention Act effective from the 13th, there is significant concern about fines. The law mandates mask-wearing on public transportation, in medical institutions, and other places. Furthermore, under the Level 1 social distancing measures, mask-wearing is mandatory in 12 high-risk facilities, including clubs, hunting bars, large academies with over 300 people, and buffet restaurants. Although there is a one-month grace period during which fines will not be imposed, the possibility of enforcement is a heavy burden.

Yoon Mo (23, female), who works part-time at a restaurant for about five hours daily, also complains about the discomfort caused by mask-wearing. She said, "During peak hours when customers flood in, I have to wear a mask and move busily," adding, "At times like this, I get headaches or feel short of breath, making it hard to breathe." When part-time job portal AlbaMon recently surveyed 2,526 part-time workers about the "hardships of part-time jobs during the COVID-19 era," the most frequently cited issue was "side effects such as headaches and skin troubles caused by prolonged mask-wearing (60%, multiple responses allowed)." Professor Chun Eun-mi of the Respiratory Medicine Department at Ewha Mokdong Hospital said, "Prolonged mask use can cause headaches and, since masks are made of non-woven fabric, skin troubles may occur. While masks must be worn indoors, it is advisable to take them off briefly in places without contact with others if feeling suffocated, and this is not an action that should be frowned upon."

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