"Why Aren't You Wearing a Mask?" 'No Mask Tribe' Persists Despite Mask Mandate

Fine of 100,000 KRW for not wearing masks... 'Nomask', 'Tukseuk', 'Koseuk' on the rise
Some nomask individuals resort to violence... Citizens say "Stricter regulations needed"
Experts: "Fatigue and helplessness from prolonged COVID-19 crisis sometimes manifest as anger"

On the morning of the 13th, officials from Seoul City and the Seoul City Bus Transport Business Association are conducting a public transportation mask-wearing campaign at the Gwanghwamun bus stop in Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] As the number of new domestic COVID-19 cases remains in the 200s for three consecutive days, public concern over the resurgence is growing. Although a policy imposing fines on those not wearing masks has been implemented, some citizens still do not comply with quarantine guidelines by refusing to wear masks. In particular, incidents of violence in response to requests to follow quarantine rules have occurred, leading to increasing calls from citizens for stricter penalties.

The government has been imposing fines since the 13th for violations of quarantine orders such as mask-wearing. Fines can be imposed not only for not wearing a mask but also for improper mask use, such as the so-called 'teokseukeu' (mask worn on the chin) or 'koseukeu' (mask covering only the mouth but leaving the nose exposed). Violators can be fined up to 100,000 won regardless of the number of offenses.

According to a public opinion poll, 7 out of 10 people consider the policy of imposing fines on 'no mask' cases appropriate.

On the 16th, Realmeter, a public opinion research firm, conducted a survey of 500 adults commissioned by YTN The News to assess the appropriateness of the 'no mask' fine policy. The results showed that 72% of respondents thought the policy was appropriate, 24.8% thought it was excessive, and 3.2% were unsure.

However, despite this policy, cases of non-compliance with mask-wearing and other quarantine guidelines have been observed.

According to Yonhap News TV on the 16th, a man in his 30s, identified as Mr. A, was booked by the police on the 15th for causing a disturbance while attempting to take a taxi without wearing a mask. Mr. A reportedly got into an argument with the taxi driver who tried to prevent him from boarding without a mask. When police arrived at the scene, Mr. A protested, asking "Why did you send the officers?" and refused to show his ID, engaging in a physical struggle for about 10 minutes. The police applied charges of obstruction of business and sent Mr. A for summary trial.

As a result, concerns are rising among citizens. To prevent the spread of cluster infections, there are repeated calls for strict adherence to quarantine guidelines by individuals and for enforcement by health authorities.

Mr. B (27), an office worker in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, said, "Not wearing a mask in the current situation is equivalent to deliberately inflicting harm on an unspecified number of people." He added, "Of course, having fines is more effective than having none, but since the fine is only 100,000 won, some people still do not comply. Higher fines or imprisonment should be imposed."

On the morning of the 13th, employees of Seoul City and Seoul Metro at Gwanghwamun Station on Seoul Subway Line 5 held a banner guiding passengers to wear masks while using the subway. Photo by Yonhap News

Another office worker, Mr. C (30), said, "Since public officials have to enforce the rules directly, there are limitations such as manpower shortages." He added, "It would be best if everyone wore masks properly so that enforcement is unnecessary, but realistically, that is not the case. Raising the severity of penalties to instill awareness and prevent violations seems like a good idea."

Health authorities reiterated the importance of complying with mask-wearing and other quarantine rules and refraining from gatherings.

Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, said at a regular briefing on the 16th, "The current reproduction number is 1.12, exceeding 1.1. Various short-term forecasts indicate that if interpersonal contact is not reduced at this level, new cases could reach 300 to 400 in two to four weeks." She expressed concern, saying, "At this stage, efforts to strengthen social distancing or reduce interpersonal contact are necessary."

Jung added, "If the current level of spread is not curbed, there is a risk of a rapid increase in cases. Please refrain as much as possible from slightly relaxed meetings, meals, and gatherings among acquaintances." She emphasized, "I believe this is a very critical time that will determine whether COVID-19 spreads nationwide. Please strictly follow quarantine rules such as mask-wearing, hand washing, distancing, and ventilation."

Experts believe that feelings of helplessness caused by the prolonged COVID-19 situation may manifest as anger.

Professor Kwak Geum-ju of Seoul National University's Department of Psychology said, "Requesting mask-wearing is natural in the current situation. However, as the COVID-19 crisis has prolonged, people are feeling fatigued, so the anger is not about the request itself but rather dissatisfaction and anxiety arising from the current situation manifesting as anger."

Professor Kwak added, "It can also be seen as venting frustration on those perceived as weaker. This seems to worsen as fatigue increases."

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