"Advance Leak of 'Social Distancing Measures' Document, Government Requests Investigation from Police Agency"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The government has requested a police investigation into the leak of a document revealing the extension of the high-intensity social distancing measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) by two weeks.

Son Young-rae, head of the Strategic Planning Division at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH), responded at a regular briefing on the 3rd, saying, "We have currently requested the police agency to investigate the document leak."

On the 1st, a photo containing the 'Metropolitan Area Social Distancing Adjustment Plan' document, prepared by the CDSCH on the 30th of last month, was circulated online. This document included content about extending the metropolitan area social distancing level 2.5 until the 24th, along with additional measures for academies and winter sports facilities.

The authorities publicly apologized, stating that the document was one presented during the first round of discussions.

Son explained, "Every day, 2,000 to 3,000 people participate in the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting via a video conferencing system to discuss and decide on major issues," adding, "While this is an excellent response system for rapid decision-making, it is structurally vulnerable in terms of security."

Accordingly, Son emphasized to local governments, public officials, and ministry officials, "Please maintain strict confidentiality regarding matters discussed in the CDSCH meetings to prevent confusion caused by the leak of unconfirmed government decisions."

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