Leaked Document on 'Social Distancing Extension,' "Consideration of Police Investigation for Breach of Confidentiality"

On the 31st of last month, a notice stating "Social distancing measures in the metropolitan area will be extended from the 4th to the 24th" was posted and then deleted on Hwaseong City's official Instagram. Photo by Hwaseong City Official Instagram Capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Hana Na] The Central Accident Response Headquarters (CARH) of the Ministry of Health and Welfare is considering requesting a police investigation into the incident where a document containing the Seoul metropolitan area social distancing adjustment plan was leaked online, causing controversy.

Son Young-rae, head of CARH's Strategic Planning Division, stated at the regular COVID-19 briefing on the 2nd, "If an official leaks unconfirmed information in advance, it constitutes a breach of official secrets, which can lead to a police investigation," adding, "We will review the intentionality and illegality of the leak and decide whether to request an investigation."

Earlier, on the 1st, a post titled "Seoul Metropolitan Area Social Distancing Adjustment Plan" spread on Instagram. The document included a sentence stating it was prepared by the CARH Living Quarantine Team on the 30th of last month, along with the extension period of social distancing and additional supplementary quarantine measures.

Son explained, "The document was presented during the first round of discussions," adding, "After the first round, various opinions emerged, adjustments were made, and the final confirmed plan was announced today."

He continued, "Many parts were changed during the discussion process, so the leaked document and the announced content differ significantly," and expressed, "We sincerely apologize for causing social confusion due to the leak of unconfirmed information."

He added, "We have urged related local governments to be cautious to prevent such incidents from happening again, and we are considering the aspects related to police investigations. We will make a decision after further review."

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