Yoo Si-min: "According to Mill's On Liberty, Blocking COVID-19 Gatherings Is Justified"

A screenshot from the book review YouTube broadcast "Alileo Season 3" by Yoo Si-min, Chairman of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation. Photo by Saramsaneun Sesang Roh Moo-hyun Foundation YouTube.

[Asia Economy Reporter Han-ah Noh] Yoo Si-min, chairman of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, argued that "according to John Stuart Mill's 'On Liberty,' physically blocking assemblies during the COVID-19 situation is a legitimate restriction."

On the 13th, Yoo cited Mill's On Liberty regarding the issue of banning assemblies as a measure to prevent COVID-19 during the YouTube broadcast 'Alileo Season 3.'

Yoo stated, "According to 'On Liberty,' intervention is justified at the point where a person's actions unjustly infringe on the freedom of others."

He explained, "(In Korea) a large-scale spread occurred once during the August 15 Gwanghwamun assembly," adding, "In this case, allowing the assembly means there is a very high possibility of unjustly infringing on others' freedom and welfare. (According to Mill's logic) if the assembly is not blocked, the government is failing in its duty." He further added, "The Gwanghwamun barricades are a legitimate restriction."

Regarding QR code verification for COVID-19 prevention, he said, "If you have been in a time and place with a high probability of COVID-19 infection, it is appropriate to be informed of this," and added, "I hope nothing happens every time I scan a QR code, but if there is a confirmed case in the same space as me, I want to be contacted immediately."