Self-Employed and Film Industry... Consecutive Protests Against Quarantine Measures "Guarantee the Right to Survival"

Self-Employed Business Emergency Committee Plans to Proceed with Gwanghwamun Rally on 22nd
Film Industry Also to Hold Outdoor Rally in Yeouido on 21st
Police: "Principled Response... Strict Handling of Violations"

Due to the rapid increase in COVID-19 confirmed cases, the government is considering whether to suspend the phased return to normal life (With Corona). On the 28th, the food alley near Ewha Womans University in Seoul was quiet. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporters Jonggil Lee, Seungyoon Song] Movements condemning the government and quarantine authorities' social distancing measures are spreading.

According to the National Self-Employed Emergency Countermeasures Committee (Emergency Committee) on the 20th, the Emergency Committee has filed a report for a gathering of 299 people related to the large-scale rally scheduled for the 22nd. They are demanding the abolition of the vaccination certificate and negative test confirmation system (quarantine pass), lifting of business restrictions, and opposition to the expansion of the Labor Standards Act to businesses with fewer than five employees. It is known that the rally will unite the Small Business Federation along with other self-employed groups from various industries and civic groups opposing the quarantine pass. The scale of the rally is expected to be similar to previous protests. Currently, no separate assembly ban order has been issued by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, and there have been no police prohibitions or requests to adjust the number of participants. Regarding the rally method, various options such as vehicle protests previously held and walking marches are being considered.

Jo Jihyun, co-representative of the Emergency Committee, said, "Our position to proceed with the rally no matter what remains unchanged," adding, "Other industries or groups are also expected to file separate rally reports and proceed, but the details are fluid."

The police have stated they will respond in principle. Choi Gwanho, Chief of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, said at a press briefing on the 20th, "Although self-employed people are having a very hard time due to the COVID-19 situation, principled response is inevitable for the public interest of quarantine," and added, "Since the allowed number of participants under quarantine rules is 299, if this is exceeded, dispersal measures or legal action against the ringleaders will be unavoidable, and violations will be dealt with strictly." The police plan to jointly check compliance with quarantine rules on-site with the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

Rallies by other industries and groups opposing quarantine measures are also continuing. The Korean Film Producers Association, Korean Film Directors Association Board, Film Importers and Distributors Association, and Theater Association from the film industry will hold an outdoor rally at 10 a.m. on the 21st in front of the National Assembly building in Yeouido, urging, "Please recognize exceptions considering the unique characteristics of theaters and the film industry when adjusting operating hours of multi-use facilities."

As the government postponed the transition to Phase 2 of the gradual recovery of daily life (With Corona) and announced special quarantine measures for four weeks due to the worsening COVID-19 situation, a notice about the operation of the vaccine pass section is posted at a movie theater in Seoul on the 30th. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

They claimed, "The number of viewers, which approached 230 million in 2019, plummeted to about 60 million last year, and a similar level is expected this year," adding, "The cumulative damage within the film industry caused by this is immeasurable."

They further stated, "Operating hour restrictions are not just a problem for movie theaters but spread damage throughout the entire film industry, potentially leading to a domino collapse of related industries," and requested, "We ask that at least the minimum survival conditions be guaranteed." The three multiplex companies (CJ CGV, Lotte Cinema, Megabox) have recorded deficits every month for 23 consecutive months since February last year.

On the 16th, as announced by the COVID-19 Victims Self-Employed General Union, formed by 20 industry groups including dining, entertainment, and academies, a ‘Government and Ruling Party Condemnation Rally Urging Substantial Compensation for COVID-19 Damage’ was held in front of the Gyeongnam Provincial Government intersection. They plan to hold large-scale rallies in Seoul after completing nationwide tours.

The People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy’s Livelihood Hope Headquarters held a press conference that day, stating, "The 1 million won quarantine support fund per business announced by the government is insufficient," and argued, "Loss compensation should include damages caused by private personnel restrictions, and rent-sharing measures must be introduced." The organization demanded from the government and National Assembly: △ retroactive application of loss compensation △ expansion of loss compensation damage correction rate to 100% △ inclusion of damages caused by private personnel restriction measures in loss compensation targets △ support measures for industries other than small business owners that have experienced sales declines △ rent-sharing measures such as the Rent Freeze Act for commercial rents.

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