"South Korea Is Still a Livable Country"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu] "South Korea is still a livable country."

Kim Hae-eun, a psychological counselor (46 years old, photo) working at the Army 2nd Corps, feels her heart swell when she thinks about the month of March. In February, Kim received a request from the Army to support counseling personnel dispatched to Daegu due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Kim said, "It’s something I can do," and filled out the application. However, thoughts of her family lingered in a corner of her mind. She did not have the confidence to tell her daughter, a first-year high school student, and her son, a second-year middle school student. She called her husband, Jo Ho-soon, who also tried to dissuade her. After persuasion, she submitted the application and packed her bags. Only then did her family come to understand.

Along with 13 counselors finally organized by the Army, she headed to Daegu on the 2nd of last month. Daegu was truly a chaotic scene. The initial workplace was Daegu City Hall but was suddenly changed to Catholic Hospital. Although they unpacked their bags that day, the next day they packed up again and moved into City Hall. Every environment changed rapidly day by day. The counseling space was also cramped. Thirteen counselors worked in a space of about 15 pyeong (approximately 50 square meters). There was no ventilation, so she had to take headache medicine throughout the month.

However, hearing the voices asking for help over the phone left no room to worry about headaches. A woman in her 20s, confirmed with COVID-19 and quarantined, increasingly complained of lethargy. Signs of social phobia were also observed. There was a chilling premonition that it could lead to suicide. After persuading the woman several times, she was sent to a mental health center. The woman, who had lost contact for a while, later sent news that she was "regaining her health." All the hardships vanished in an instant.

The initially promised support period of two weeks was extended by another two weeks, and on the 31st of last month, Kim was able to return to her home in Wonju, Gangwon Province. Her family embraced her. They also prepared a party to celebrate her safe return. The next day, when she opened the door in front of her house, a friend had left food at the door, saying, "You worked hard during this time." It was a touching moment.

Kim said, "Although this is a difficult time due to COVID-19, when I think about the past month, I cannot help but be proud of the love from my family and friends and of South Korea. If I have the ability in the future, I will step forward again like this when others are in need."