"Do Not Discriminate"... Controversy Over 'Vaccine Pass' Ignites as 'With Corona' Policy Is Officially Announced

Kim Boo-kyum "Preparing for Normalcy After Hard Times... Considering Vaccine Pass, etc."
Democratic Party Proposes 'Vaccine Pass System' to Government... "Allow Vaccinated People to Gather Until Midnight"

A citizen is receiving a COVID-19 vaccination. The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] "Isn't there also a right not to get vaccinated?"

As the government has begun serious discussions on phased daily recovery (With Corona) measures, controversy continues over whether to introduce a 'vaccine pass.' The vaccine pass is a system that partially relaxes quarantine measures only for those who have completed vaccination. The Democratic Party of Korea has also decided to propose to the government the introduction of a so-called 'temporary vaccine pass' that allows vaccinated individuals to use cafes and restaurants until midnight.

However, among the unvaccinated, there are criticisms that forcibly implementing the vaccine pass is a system that ignores personal choice. There are also many concerns that the vaccine pass system could cause conflicts between vaccinated and unvaccinated people. Experts emphasize that it is more appropriate to provide benefits to vaccinated individuals rather than disadvantages.

Recently, health authorities have shown a positive stance on the introduction of the vaccine pass. On the 13th, Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum presided over the first meeting of the COVID-19 Daily Recovery Support Committee at the Government Seoul Office and said, "After going through a difficult time, we have now reached the stage of cautiously preparing for daily recovery."

He continued, "Based on the achievements in quarantine and the increased vaccination rate, the government intends to prepare for the journey of phased daily recovery," adding, "It is by no means about 'throwing away masks' immediately. It is about gradually pursuing a balance between quarantine and daily life in the process of preparing for daily recovery."

In particular, Prime Minister Kim presented three major directions for daily recovery: 'phased recovery, inclusive recovery, and recovery together with the people.' To this end, he mentioned reviewing new quarantine management methods such as the 'vaccine pass' and strengthening the medical response system.

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum is delivering opening remarks at the 1st COVID-19 Recovery Support Committee meeting held at the Government Seoul Office Annex in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 13th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

However, criticism from unvaccinated individuals continues regarding Prime Minister Kim's remarks on reviewing the vaccine pass. The vaccine pass is a system intended to provide certain benefits to those who have completed vaccination when using multi-use facilities such as restaurants and performance halls. Unvaccinated people argue that restrictions on multi-use facilities are essentially discriminatory.

Lee (26), an office worker who has not yet made a vaccine reservation, said, "There have been continuous reports of vaccine side effects. Although side effects occur only in a very small number, they could happen to me as well." He added, "I did not make a reservation because I think the vaccine was developed quickly and its safety has not been verified." He lamented, "People have the right to refuse vaccination, but it seems the government is forcing vaccination."

Another office worker, Jung (27), who has completed the second dose of the COVID vaccine, said, "I got vaccinated, but whether to get vaccinated or not is a personal choice. The state should not force it." He pointed out, "Especially among those with underlying conditions, many cannot get vaccinated. While it is right to give benefits to vaccinated people, it is inappropriate to impose disadvantages on the unvaccinated to force vaccination."

On the Blue House's public petition board, petitions opposing the introduction of the vaccine pass have been posted one after another. In a petition titled 'Oppose the introduction of the vaccine pass' posted on the 30th of last month, the petitioner stated, "Whether to get vaccinated or not is a matter of personal choice depending on individual health conditions."

Other petitions opposing the vaccine pass include titles such as 'Oppose the vaccine pass that prohibits unvaccinated people from using multi-use facilities,' 'Oppose the vaccine pass that severely infringes on labor and survival rights according to the constitution,' and 'The vaccine pass is state violence. Stop it immediately.'

Recently, petitions opposing the vaccine pass system have been continuously posted on the Cheongwadae National Petition Board. Photo by Cheongwadae National Petition Board screen capture.

Meanwhile, the ruling party intends to propose to the government a 'temporary vaccine pass' plan that allows vaccinated individuals to use cafes and restaurants until midnight.

Kim Seong-hwan, head of the Democratic Party's With Corona Task Force (TF), said at the third TF meeting held at the National Assembly on the same day, "We intend to propose to the government to expand private gatherings only for those who have completed vaccination," adding, "For example, extending the operating hours of restaurants and cafes from 10 p.m. to midnight, but only vaccinated people would be allowed to use these facilities during this time."

However, only plans to review the vaccine pass have been announced, and specific methods do not appear to have been finalized. Regarding this, Shin Hyun-young, the Democratic Party's floor spokesperson, said, "We are reviewing a policy to ease restrictions as the vaccination completion rate reaches 70%, 80%, and 85%," adding, "The government said it would consider easing the number of people allowed rather than extending hours and lifting location restrictions."

Experts emphasize that it is more desirable to provide incentives to vaccinated individuals rather than disadvantages. Professor Cheon Eun-mi of the Respiratory Medicine Department at Ewha Mokdong Hospital said on MBC Radio's 'Pyo Chang-won's News High Kick,' "If possible, I hope benefits encouraging vaccinated people will increase and that unvaccinated people will be protected rather than disadvantaged."

Professor Cheon pointed out regarding the opposition to the vaccine pass, "The government said it could restrict multi-use facilities, but since specific facilities have not been announced, there is vague anxiety that essential daily life spaces such as hospitals, restaurants, cafes, marts, and department stores might all be included," adding, "The government should clearly inform which spaces will be restricted."

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