Growing Backlash Against 'Social Distancing Extension'... Spread of Collective Movements

Social Distancing Extended for 2 Weeks Until the 17th
Self-Employed Say "No More Options" with Strong Reactions
Self-Employed Emergency Committee to Release Statement This Afternoon
Entertainment Business Owners Hold Solo Protests... Discussions on Industry Cooperation Underway

On the 17th, an official is organizing the condolence hall at the joint memorial altar for deceased self-employed individuals set up in front of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] As the quarantine authorities announced the extension of social distancing measures on the 1st, collective movements have once again spread, mainly among self-employed business owners who have opposed the decision.

The strongest opposition comes from the self-employed. Including this time, the 4th level of social distancing has been maintained for over 10 weeks in the metropolitan area. Self-employed business owners, who had hoped that at least some of their demands would be reflected in the revised plan, were once again dismayed by the decision to maintain the current measures. Immediately after the announcement, several anonymous group chats of self-employed business owners were flooded with intense reactions such as "I want to set everything on fire" and "This is do or die. Let's storm in right now."

The Self-Employed Emergency Committee, which had conducted nationwide vehicle protests, is expected to resume collective actions after internal discussions, having refrained from such activities for a while. They are also considering reopening vehicle protests, but the exact method has not yet been decided. Committee officials held a meeting after the announcement of the social distancing level and plan to release a statement later in the afternoon outlining the meeting results and the committee’s position. Their demands include △ switching quarantine rules based on fatality rates △ abolishing the one-strike-out system △ restructuring facility-centered quarantine standards to focus on individual prevention △ prompt compensation for losses △ and participation of self-employed representatives in the compensation committee.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Korea Entertainment Food Industry Central Association began a one-person protest near the Blue House. The association held a press conference in front of the Blue House in the morning, stating, "It has been one year and five months since we called for equitable quarantine rules, and despite shouting until we were exhausted, the government has never listened to us even once," and argued, "Along with lifting the mandatory gathering ban, retroactive compensation for losses must be provided appropriately by industry so that both the people and the country can survive." The association plans to join forces with other industries under gathering bans to stage protests along with the one-person demonstrations. The Safe Family Doljanchi (first birthday party) Coalition also plans to continue press conferences and one-person protests.

The National Newlywed Couples Association continued its "Wedding Invitation Protest" by sending wedding invitations and appeals to the Blue House Secretariat and the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters until this day. Starting next week, they plan to carry out simultaneous collective actions at the Government Seoul Office, Yeouido, and near the Blue House.

The government decided to maintain the current social distancing levels for two weeks from the 4th to the 17th. In non-metropolitan areas, the 3rd level of distancing will be maintained, and the private gathering limit remains the same at a maximum of six people, including those fully vaccinated. However, quarantine standards for venues with many complaints, such as wedding halls, doljanchi, and outdoor sports facilities, will be partially adjusted to focus on fully vaccinated individuals.

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