What Are the 3 Reasons Behind the Sudden Surge in COVID-19 Cases in Korea? An Analysis by Japanese Media

Bold Easing of Quarantine Measures, Expansion of Breakthrough Infections Among the Elderly, and Increased Infections Among Unvaccinated Teenagers

Shopping district in Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] As the number of new COVID-19 cases has recently surged in Korea, a Japanese media outlet analyzed three main reasons behind this increase.

Nihon TV explained on the 24th that ▲bold easing of quarantine restrictions ▲expansion of breakthrough infections mainly among the elderly ▲increase in infections among unvaccinated teenagers are the causes of the sharp rise in Korea's new COVID-19 cases.

On the 24th, Korea's daily confirmed cases exceeded 4,000 for the first time, reaching 4,116, and on the 25th, the number was close to 4,000 again at 3,938.

The number of critically ill patients also increased by 26 from the previous day to 612, marking the highest ever recorded. Looking at hospital bed occupancy rates, the metropolitan area is at 83%, and Seoul exceeds 85%, indicating a near-saturation state.

Nihon TV cited the first reason for the increase in cases in Korea as "boldly easing restrictions amid soaring infections."

Since the 1st of this month, Korea has implemented a "gradual return to daily life" (With Corona), lifting nationwide restrictions on restaurant operations and allowing gatherings and events of up to 499 people under conditions such as vaccination. Sports spectators were also allowed up to 50% of stadium capacity, and schools resumed full in-person attendance.

Nihon TV analyzed this situation in Korea, stating, "It was not because the infection situation improved, but because they wanted to revive the economy," and added, "After easing restrictions, the streets became crowded, leading to the spread of infections."

The second reason cited was "breakthrough infections." This is because breakthrough infections have increased mainly among the elderly, whose vaccine effectiveness has waned.

The outlet explained, "Vaccinations for the elderly began in April, but breakthrough infections are occurring mainly among the elderly who were vaccinated early," and "breakthrough infections increased significantly from 116 cases in June to 10,092 cases in October."

It continued, "As of the 17th, 56.3% of the 1,436 new confirmed cases in Seoul were among people who had completed vaccination," and added, "Accordingly, the Korean government is rapidly proceeding with additional vaccinations (booster shots)."

The increase in infections among teenagers, whose vaccination progress has been slow, was also pointed out as a reason for the surge in confirmed cases.

The media stated, "Like Japan, Korea targets those aged 12 and older for vaccination, but the vaccination rate is about 15%, which is lower compared to Japan's 68.7%," and analyzed, "Vaccinations for those aged 12 to under 15 in Korea started this month, leading to an increase in infections among teenagers."

Meanwhile, Japan has seen a sharp decline in COVID-19 cases and deaths. According to Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, as of the 24th, there were 77 new confirmed cases. The improvement in Japan's quarantine situation, which had faced a crisis of medical system collapse, is attributed to reduced mobility due to social distancing, but some argue that the effect is also due to a decrease in the number of tests conducted within Japan.

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