"Infection Expert Who Said 'Non-COVID Individuals Have Interpersonal Issues' Cited by Foreign Media"

Foreign Media "Emphasized Difficult Situation... Faced Backlash After Remarks"
Masanghyuk "Metaphorical Expression, There Was Misunderstanding"

Foreign media quoted Masanghyuk, Chairman of the Infection Control Committee of the Gyeongnam Medical Association (former Vice President of the Korean Vaccine Society), whose remarks related to COVID-19 sparked controversy.
Photo by Independent UK website capture.

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] Masanghyuk, chairman of the Infection Control Committee of the Gyeongnam Medical Association (former vice president of the Korean Society of Vaccinology), has sparked controversy after foreign media reported that he claimed "people not infected with COVID-19 have problems with interpersonal relationships."

On the 28th (local time), following the U.S. economic media Insider, British outlets such as The Independent consecutively cited Masanghyuk's remarks. The Independent reported, "A Korean doctor faced backlash after stating that people who have not yet been infected with COVID-19 have no friends."

Earlier, on the 16th, Masanghyuk posted on his Facebook, "If the husband tests positive for COVID-19 and the wife tests negative, is that a normal marital relationship?", "Couples who test positive simultaneously are affectionate people. You should be jealous," and "I think adults in South Korea who have not contracted COVID-19 have problems with their interpersonal relationships," posting these statements consecutively.

He also said, "If a family member is infected but you say you are not, you should consider that person not part of the family," "A true friend is someone who eats together, drinks a glass of alcohol, and catches COVID-19 together, right?", and "Shouldn't people who have not been infected with COVID-19 now be regarded as natural monuments?"

After these statements became known, netizens criticized them as "inappropriate remarks." In response, Masanghyuk explained, "It was just a metaphorical expression and there was a misunderstanding," and deleted some posts.

Foreign media reported Masanghyuk's remarks, stating, "He emphasized that in a situation where many around him are testing positive, it is difficult for anyone to avoid infection," but also noted, "He faced backlash after making such statements."

Regarding this, Masanghyuk expressed displeasure on Facebook, saying, "If you read and interpret the controversial posts carefully, it means that there are so many patients that the possibility of infection is high," and added, "I don't understand why someone living in the UK would criticize this, nor do I understand how this controversy benefits our country's people."

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