"Due to Job Characteristics, Unvaccinated Is a Selfish Act"…Pop Culture Industry Rushes Vaccination [Magnifier]

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[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Recently, as COVID-19 (novel coronavirus infection) cases have been occurring in various places, the popular culture industry is becoming tense again. Accordingly, there is a growing consensus that vaccination for cultural and artistic professionals is absolutely necessary.

Due to actor and singer Lim Chang-jung's unvaccinated status, numerous broadcasting and music industry personnel underwent PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests and breathed a sigh of relief. On the 8th, he sang a congratulatory song at singer Lee Ji-hoon's wedding and tested positive during a test conducted for his appearance on broadcasts related to his new album released after a year.

Lim Chang-jung had already released a new album and appeared on multiple variety shows for promotion. Although his positive diagnosis caused tension in the industry, fortunately, no related cases were reported.

Singer Kim Heung-guk sparked controversy by expressing refusal to get vaccinated with the remark, "Why are you putting that cheap thing into me?" on an online broadcast, but later clarified that he had already been vaccinated.

On the 15th, Kim Heung-guk stated, "I received the Janssen vaccine, allocated for voluntary COVID-19 vaccination, at a hospital near my home on October 20th," adding, "While I do not agree with the mandatory nature of vaccination, as an entertainer, it is my duty to follow the Disease Control Agency's quarantine policies to end COVID-19, since entertainers meet the public."

There have also been breakthrough infection cases. Recently, Super Junior member Shin Dong, who was tested after overlapping movements with a confirmed case, tested positive. He received the Janssen vaccine in June but was infected before receiving a booster shot. He had no contact with other members, and no related cases have occurred in the broadcast programs he is appearing in. A representative from his agency emphasized that he was vaccinated and expressed his intention to receive the booster shot immediately after recovery.

A confirmed case also occurred at the KBS drama filming site, leading to a one-week delay in the premiere. One of the supporting actors in the new Wednesday-Thursday drama "School 2021" tested positive on the 13th.

As a result, the entire drama staff and cast underwent testing, and lead actor Kim Yo-han tested positive. Both individuals had completed their second vaccine dose and were 14 days past it, indicating a breakthrough infection. Members of the group WEi, to which Kim Yo-han belongs, are also being tested and awaiting results.

Should you get the COVID vaccine or not? The government stated, "Vaccination is basically conducted only with the individual's voluntary consent," and "there are no disadvantages for refusing vaccination," but in the popular culture industry, there is a consensus that vaccination is essential for activities.

A production company official said, "Given the nature of the work, where you take off masks and stand in front of cameras and on stage, vaccination is a must. On average, 60 to 70 production staff members are present on set. Including management personnel and hair and makeup staff, the number is even higher. Because of one confirmed case, about 100 people have to undergo testing, anxiously waiting for results."

The official added, "Usually, before appearing in films or broadcasts, vaccination certificates or PCR negative test results are required. For long-term projects, there is a trend of periodically checking negative status with self-test kits during filming."

Another official pointed out, "Popular artistic activities are not done alone. Regardless of personal free will, it leads to results that affect the entire industry. Not getting vaccinated without considering the professional characteristics is selfish."

They continued, "Although thorough quarantine measures are taken, breakthrough infections continue to occur in the process of working with many people. However, each filming site strictly requires preemptive testing for all participants, creating an atmosphere of quickly identifying and responding to confirmed cases."

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An actor who requested anonymity said, "I received the Janssen vaccine last summer and recently got the booster shot as well. I suffered from body aches for a day or two but gradually recovered over time," adding, "Despite various side effect cases, I hurried to get vaccinated considering the nature of my work, which involves frequent contact with others. Getting vaccinated makes activities relatively easier."

The actor also said, "No matter how careful you are, you inevitably come into contact with many people, and you cannot predict when and where a confirmed case will occur. Now that vaccines are not hard to get, there seems to be no reason to delay vaccination," adding, "Not only actors but also production staff and agency personnel are rushing to get their second vaccine dose."

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