Immediate Prosecution for Unauthorized Quarantine Violators... Criminal Charges for Confirmed Cases

Seoul City Implements Zero Tolerance 'One-Strike-Out Policy' for Unauthorized Quarantine Violations

Overseas Koreans and expatriates from the Milan area in Italy are returning to Korea on the 1st via a charter flight, arriving through Terminal 2 of Incheon International Airport. Immediately after arrival, they all move to a designated facility to undergo COVID-19 testing. If everyone tests negative, they proceed to self-quarantine, but if even one person tests positive, all will be placed in facility quarantine for 14 days. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] On the 7th, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it will immediately file charges under the 'One Strike Out System' against citizens who have been in contact with confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) or who have returned from overseas and are under self-quarantine but leave quarantine without a valid reason.

Earlier, starting from the 1st, the government began applying a zero-tolerance policy requiring all overseas entrants to undergo a 2-week self-quarantine under any circumstances. From the 5th, if a self-quarantine violation is detected, offenders will face imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million won, and foreigners will be subject to deportation and re-entry bans.

Previously, when a self-quarantined individual left quarantine, local governments and quarantine authorities would persuade them to return forcibly. Now, however, detection will lead to immediate prosecution and exclusion from receiving living support funds.

Furthermore, if additional confirmed cases arise due to quarantine violations, criminal charges such as negligent injury will be pursued, and claims for damages related to quarantine costs and business losses will also be filed.

To manage self-quarantine violators, Seoul conducts unannounced site visits and telephone monitoring. In particular, overseas entrants are required to install a safety protection app, allowing dedicated officials to frequently check and manage the status of those in quarantine. A GIS-based integrated situation management system is used to maintain a 24-hour surveillance system in cooperation with the police.

On the 25th of last month, Mr. Lee, residing in Gangnam-gu, left his home, drove his private car, and returned, resulting in prosecution by Gangnam-gu. During this process, when a district office employee could not reach the quarantined individual by phone, they contacted the police station, and under police supervision, the quarantined person's front door was opened and closed. Mr. Lee was excluded from receiving living support funds due to violating quarantine rules.

On the same day, a Polish national residing in Yongsan-gu was confirmed to have left home and frequently visited a nearby mart. The Ministry of Justice is currently pursuing deportation. A Vietnamese national, registered in Gangbuk-gu, was found to have traveled to Gimhae City, Gyeongnam Province, by taxi on the 2nd. This violation was uncovered through an unannounced on-site inspection. Gangbuk-gu has filed charges against this individual and will request deportation from the Ministry of Justice.

Meanwhile, since the 1st of this month, Seoul has been conducting not only a 2-week self-quarantine for overseas entrants but also comprehensive testing on the day of entry to block links to community infections. Additionally, special transportation support is provided via limousine buses and taxis from airports to health centers' screening clinics in each district to prevent community spread.

Kim Hak-jin, Director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Safety General Office, stated, "The most important thing is for entrants themselves to actively prepare for the possibility of infection and to be considerate in preventing transmission to others." He urged, "Please actively cooperate with self-quarantine so that society as a whole can overcome COVID-19."