Government Considers Increasing Fine for Quarantine Rule Violations from 100,000 to 200,000 Won

Seoul Station Temporary Screening Clinic Appearance [Image Source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] The government is reportedly considering raising fines imposed on those who violate COVID-19 quarantine rules.

According to multiple government officials on the 24th, the quarantine authorities are discussing adjusting the upper limit of fines for violations of quarantine rules. Under the current "Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act," fines of up to 100,000 KRW can be imposed for violations of gathering restrictions or bans ordered by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and local governments, as well as for not wearing masks on buses, trains, airplanes, and other public transportation.

The quarantine authorities are keeping various options open and continuing discussions. Although the specific increase amount has not been finalized, it is reported that they are considering raising the upper limit of fines to 200,000 KRW, which is double the current amount. This is interpreted as part of efforts to shift the paradigm of quarantine to 'autonomy' and 'responsibility.'

At the regular briefing of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters earlier that day, the government expressed its stance to strictly deal with violations of COVID-19 quarantine rules. Additionally, the government announced plans to activate the "COVID-19 Subrogation Rights Council," which supports local governments in proving illegal acts, causality, and damage amounts when claiming subrogation rights against facilities violating quarantine rules.

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