"Avoiding Statements, Non-Cooperation"... Concerns Over Disruption in Gangnam Room Salon Epidemiological Investigation

On the morning of the 8th, a temporary closure notice was posted at an entertainment bar in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, where a confirmed case of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) had worked.

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] In relation to the confirmed case of COVID-19 at an entertainment establishment in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, authorities are reportedly facing difficulties as the confirmed patient has not provided proper statements during the epidemiological investigation. Authorities emphasized that providing false statements or hiding information during the investigation can result in penalties including imprisonment of up to two years.

On the 8th, Kwon Jun-wook, Deputy Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters for COVID-19, stated in a briefing, "Although it has not been finally confirmed, we have been informed that the confirmed patient tends to evade giving statements during the process," adding, "Since every case in the epidemiological investigation is very important, we are informing about the penalties even before confirming the evasion of statements."

At the entertainment establishment known as 'kkk&Trend,' two employees had tested positive as of that day. Epidemiological investigations are being conducted mainly by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, and according to Mayor Park Won-soon’s briefing on the same day, a total of 118 contacts have been identified so far, including the establishment’s employees, customers, and the patient’s roommates. Among the 18 people who have received test results, all tested negative.

The epidemiological investigations conducted by quarantine authorities and local governments are based on the statements of the confirmed patient. Using this information, additional data such as closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, credit card usage records, and mobile phone location tracking are analyzed to trace movement paths and identify contacts. This is why the patient’s statements are considered crucial in early quarantine efforts. According to the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act, refusal, obstruction, or evasion of epidemiological investigations can result in imprisonment of up to two years or fines up to 20 million KRW. The same penalties apply for false statements, failure to submit data, or intentional omission or concealment of facts.

The first confirmed patient at this establishment began showing symptoms on the 29th of last month. Initially, the establishment where the patient worked was not disclosed, following quarantine authorities’ guidelines to reveal the patient’s movements starting from one day before symptom onset. However, Mayor Park announced the name of the establishment during the briefing on the principle of transparent disclosure of available information. Another employee, infected by the first patient, showed symptoms for the first time on the 5th. The establishment had been closed since the 2nd of this month.