Concerns Grow Over New COVID-19 Variant Spread... Disease Control Agency Says "Current Vaccines Remain Effective"

by Kwak Minjae

Published 17 Apr.2026 17:07(KST)

As concerns grow over the domestic spread of the new COVID-19 variant 'BA3.2', health authorities have cautioned against excessive worry, emphasizing that the currently administered vaccines remain effective.

Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Yonhap News Agency

The Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced on April 17 that, citing an assessment by the World Health Organization (WHO), the BA3.2 variant is not considered to increase severity or virulence.

According to the agency, 'BA3', a subvariant of the COVID-19 Omicron strain, briefly appeared in early 2022 before disappearing, and then re-emerged as the BA3.2 subvariant in November 2024 in South Africa.

The agency explained that while this variant is genetically different in some respects from the currently prevalent viruses and the vaccine in use (LP.8.1), potentially leading to an increase in infections, the WHO does not assess this variant as significantly raising severity.

However, the agency stated it will closely monitor the situation, as the increase in BA3.2 cases domestically could lead to a rise in COVID-19 infections.

The detection rate of COVID-19 in South Korea has shown a slight upward trend recently. In the 15th week of this year (April 5-11), the detection rate of COVID-19 in samples taken from suspected respiratory infection patients at clinic-level medical institutions was 6.3%, a slight increase from the previous week's 4.7%. As of last month, the dominant COVID-19 variants in South Korea were PQ2 and NB1.8.1, each accounting for 34.6%, followed by BA3.2 at 23.1% and XFG at 3.8%.

An official from the agency stated, "The WHO has also assessed that the BA3.2 variant does not significantly increase severity and that the vaccines currently in use are effective," adding, "While excessive concern is unnecessary under the current circumstances, we recommend vaccination for the elderly, as they are at higher risk of severe illness if infected."

Previously, the agency extended the vaccination period for high-risk groups-including those aged 65 and older and immunocompromised individuals-in preparation for a potential resurgence of COVID-19 during the summer, with the vaccination period now running until June 30.