"Forced Pledge Controversy for Sogang University Dormitory Students: Civil and Criminal Liability if Infected with COVID-19 After Going Out"

Sogang University: "Request to Refrain from Going Out During Access Control Period... Intended to Raise Awareness"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seok Seo-young] It has been reported that the dormitory administration at Sogang University distributed a pledge form to dormitory residents, requiring them to take full responsibility for any losses if they become infected with COVID-19, sparking controversy.

According to university circles on the 3rd, after one resident at Sogang University Gonja International Dormitory tested positive for COVID-19 on the 25th, the Gonja International Dormitory and Bellarmino Dormitory at Sogang University distributed a pledge form to the residents.

The pledge states, "I promise to refrain from visiting places with a high risk of COVID-19 infection when going out (hunting pojangmacha, emotional pubs, entertainment pubs, karaoke rooms, indoor group exercise, dance studios, indoor standing concert halls, and equivalent facilities) and to strictly follow personal quarantine rules."

Additionally, the pledge includes the statement, "If I become infected with COVID-19 due to visiting high-risk places, I promise to take responsibility for all economic losses and civil and criminal liabilities arising from this."

A pledge reportedly received by dormitory residents at Sogang University. Photo by Online Community

As this content spread on Sogang University's online community site, students raised voices of opposition. They argued that the pledge lacks clear standards and duration, and unfairly shifts responsibility for the COVID-19 outbreak and infection onto individual students.

Students also criticized the pledge for infringing on personal freedom and human rights. They pointed out that signing the pledge was mandatory to go out and that the pledge was signed under a coercive atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Sogang University explained the controversy by stating, "The intention was to raise students' awareness." They added, "We are fully controlling the entry of outsiders to the campus," and "Since confirmed cases continue to occur in the dormitories, restricting residents' outings was unavoidable."

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