"Japanese Netizens Mock Korea's 'COVID-19 Spread,' Saying 'Koreans Will Become Rioters'"

Japanese Netizens Mock South Korea's COVID-19 Spread
"Koreans Are Flustered... Infection Numbers Surpass Japan"

Quarantine measures are being strengthened at Japanese airports to prevent the influx of the novel coronavirus.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon, Intern Reporter Kim Seul-gi] As the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) reached 1,146 as of 9 a.m. on the 26th, Japanese netizens have started mocking Koreans, causing a stir.

On the same day, Japan's largest portal site 'Yahoo Japan' published an article in its portal news 'International' category reporting that the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases in Korea had surpassed 1,000.

Japanese netizens who saw the article commented, "Koreans are panicking. Due to their highly emotional nature, they might become rioters," and "The world's misunderstanding is spreading because of Korea's incorrect testing methods."

One Japanese netizen blatantly mocked Korea, saying, "The number of infected people has surpassed Japan. Good."

On the 26th, Japan's largest portal site, 'Yahoo Japan,' featured reactions mocking the South Korean government's response and South Koreans. Photo by Yahoo Japan site capture

Meanwhile, another Japanese netizen supported the Japanese government's response, saying, "If the number of infected people increases recklessly, the medical field will collapse. I support the current Japanese government's measures."

An online article by a Japanese media outlet titled "COVID-19, the tragedy caused by the Moon administration's optimism in Korea" ranked third in the magazine section of Yahoo International News as of the morning of the 26th.

The article highlighted Korea's COVID-19 situation, stating, "The rapid increase in the number of COVID-19 infections in Korea does not stop. Criticism of the government is inevitable."

The second and third most recommended comments on the article mocked Koreans, saying, "Japan should take the neighboring country as a negative example and each citizen should strengthen their will to defend against COVID-19," and "Korea is a bad example and a lesson for the future."

Meanwhile, the Central Disease Control Headquarters announced that 169 new confirmed cases were reported as of 9 a.m. on the 26th. Accordingly, the total number of confirmed cases in the country increased to 1,146, surpassing 1,000 in total infections.