"Public Nuisance" vs "Personal Freedom": Kim Heung-guk and Lim Chang-jung's 'Unvaccinated' Status Rekindles Vaccine Refusal Controversy

Famous Celebrities Face Backlash Over 'Unvaccinated and COVID-19 Positive'
"Vaccination Is Personal Freedom," Some Respond
Experts Say "Vaccination Can't Be Forced, But It's Better to Get It"

Singer Lim Chang-jung is introducing his new album at the showcase commemorating the release of his 17th full-length album, held on the afternoon of the 1st at CGV Yeongdeungpo in Times Square, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Recently, some famous celebrities such as singers Kim Heung-guk and Lim Chang-jung have been criticized by some netizens as "irresponsible" and "a nuisance" after it was revealed that they had not been vaccinated. On the other hand, the claim that "vaccination is a personal freedom" is also strongly opposed, leading to intense debates over the pros and cons of 'vaccine refusal.'

Experts suggest that while vaccination is a personal freedom, it is effective in preventing infection and should be done if possible.

Kim Heung-guk appeared on the YouTube channel 'Gura Cheol,' hosted by broadcaster Kim Gura, on the 5th and revealed that he had not been vaccinated. When asked, "Why didn't you get the COVID-19 vaccine?" he replied, "Why would you put that cheap thing into me?" indicating his refusal to be vaccinated.

Born in 1959, Kim Heung-guk is reportedly eligible for priority vaccination with the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine, but some criticized his remarks for potentially spreading the false information that the AZ vaccine is cheap.

Lim Chang-jung was diagnosed with COVID-19 on the 9th, but controversy arose when it was revealed that he was unvaccinated. The day before his diagnosis, he sang a congratulatory song at fellow singer Lee Ji-hoon's wedding, which was attended by numerous celebrities, causing alarm in the entertainment industry.

As the controversy spread, Lim Chang-jung's side explained, "He was unable to get vaccinated because he has been traveling between his homes in Seoul and Jeju Island for activities," but netizens' reactions were cold. Especially, criticism intensified as it was mentioned that Lim has five children and runs a bar.

Singer Kim Heung-guk appeared on the YouTube channel 'Guracheol' on the 5th. / Photo by YouTube channel Guracheol capture

However, there are also many claims that being unvaccinated should not be criticized. Concerns about vaccine safety remain high due to ongoing reports of side effects and even deaths.

One netizen said, "There is no law that celebrities must get vaccinated. There may be circumstances that prevent vaccination," adding, "If someone who is unvaccinated wears a mask well and follows quarantine rules properly, it doesn't seem to be a big problem."

In particular, with the recent surge in breakthrough infections among fully vaccinated individuals, the perception is spreading that vaccines do not provide 100% protection against COVID-19 infection.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) on the 11th, as of the 31st of last month, among 33,108,428 fully vaccinated people in Korea, 28,293 (0.086%) are suspected of having breakthrough infections. This means 88.5 suspected breakthrough infections per 100,000 vaccinated individuals.

The number of suspected breakthrough infection cases has also sharply increased monthly. From only 2 cases in April, the numbers rose to 7 in May, 116 in June, 1,180 in July, 2,764 in August, 8,913 in September, and 15,311 in October.

However, the government emphasized that as vaccination rates increase, breakthrough infections naturally increase as well, and this does not mean the vaccine's preventive effect is declining.

Lee Sang-won, head of the CDCH Epidemiological Investigation and Analysis Team, explained at a COVID-19 briefing on the 9th, "As the proportion of vaccinated people has recently increased, it appears that the rate of breakthrough infections is rising," adding, "The vaccine still has an effect in preventing infection." He further stated, "Most people aged 60 and over were vaccinated in the early to mid part of this year, and as time passes, the vaccine's effectiveness decreases, increasing the likelihood of breakthrough infections."

Experts urge participation in vaccination for infection prevention, while acknowledging it is a personal choice. Professor Eom Jung-sik of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Gachon University Gil Medical Center emphasized, "There may be individuals who do not get vaccinated for personal reasons. However, vaccines reduce severe and fatal cases, and fully vaccinated individuals are definitely less likely to be infected compared to unvaccinated people."

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