Bar Association: "Concerns Over Basic Rights Infringement by COVID-19 Self-Quarantine Wristbands... Caution Needed"

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 Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Shinwon Yoon] The Korean Bar Association (KBA) has expressed a negative stance regarding the government's consideration of introducing electronic wristbands to manage individuals under self-quarantine in order to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

On the 9th, the KBA issued a statement saying, "The mandatory wearing of wristbands may infringe on the basic rights of citizens, so careful consideration must precede any implementation."

They further explained, "While wearing wristbands has the advantage of ensuring the effectiveness of self-quarantine, there is a lack of explicit legal grounds under current law, and it may restrict citizens' constitutionally guaranteed rights to privacy, freedom, and personal information self-determination."

The KBA also added, "(Wearing wristbands) unreasonably treats the majority of citizens who comply well with self-quarantine as potential criminals."

The government announced on the 7th that it is considering the use of wristbands (electronic bracelets) as a measure to prevent self-quarantined individuals from leaving their designated isolation areas.