Hayunsoo, President of the Korea Teachers' Union, Tests Positive for COVID-19... Korean Teachers' Union Building in Umyundong Closed

Hayunsoo, President of the Korea Federation of Teachers' Associations

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] Ha Yun-su, president of the Korea Federation of Teachers' Associations (KFTA) (photo), has tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). The building of KFTA, the largest teachers' organization in South Korea, has been closed.

President Ha Yun-su posted on his Facebook on the 24th, "I apologize for causing concern. I was suddenly diagnosed positive for COVID-19 and hospitalized, so I did not even have time to organize my surroundings. According to the medical staff, my condition is mild (throat area), and if treated well, I expect to be discharged soon."

He added, "Being in this situation, my wish for the swift end of COVID-19 is more urgent and earnest than anyone else's. Since anyone can be infected unknowingly, I have newly realized the importance of raising awareness about hygiene and making it a daily habit."

President Ha also said, "I believe the government needs to make a major decision such as banning entry of Chinese nationals for a fundamental solution. I urge the Ministry of Education to do its utmost to ensure the safety of students and teachers. KFTA will also actively support this."

According to the education sector, President Ha was diagnosed with COVID-19 at a screening clinic in Seocho-gu on the 22nd and was transferred to Seoul Medical Center. His wife, who visited her hometown Busan, was diagnosed positive on the 21st and is currently isolated in a hospital in the Busan area.

President Ha went to the KFTA office on the morning of the 21st, had lunch at Baeknyeonok restaurant in Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu on the same day, and then returned to his home in Yangjae-dong. Earlier, on the 19th, he also attended a forum titled 'What is the problem with the Moon Jae-in government's private school reform plan,' held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building, where Sim Jae-cheol and Jeon Hee-kyung, members of the United Future Party, were also present.

A KFTA official said, "We understand that employees who were in contact with President Ha and underwent testing have tested negative."

Seocho-gu completed disinfection of President Ha's residence in Yangjae 1-dong, the KFTA building in Umyeon-dong, and the main building of Baeknyeonok in Seocho-dong, and decided to close KFTA and Baeknyeonok until the 24th.