Nationwide Taekwondo Dojang Owners: "15% of Taekwondo Dojangs Closed... Support Funds Are Far from Enough"

"Demand to Allow Even Within 10 People... Please Guarantee at Least Some Movement"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] Taekwondo gym owners who have closed their doors since early last month due to the 2.5-level 'social distancing' measures applied in the Seoul metropolitan area are demanding the government and political circles ease quarantine standards.

Taekwondo gym owners affiliated with the National Taekwondo Gym Leaders Association in the metropolitan area held a press conference on the 1st in front of the Blue House, the National Assembly, and the Democratic Party headquarters, urging, "Establish proper quarantine guidelines to guarantee our right to livelihood."

They asked, "Professional basketball and volleyball games are allowed to proceed with physical contact without wearing masks, so why is there a ban on gatherings in taekwondo gyms where masks are worn, distance is maintained, and physical contact is avoided?"

They also requested, "From the 4th of this month, please allow exercise until 9 p.m. even under level 2.5," and "Even if limited to fewer than 10 people, please guarantee at least minimal activity."

They continued, "If that is not possible, raise the level to 3 immediately to quickly end the COVID-19 situation," and "The 3 million won support fund for indoor sports facilities is far from sufficient; please clearly inform us how we can survive."

Meanwhile, Son Seongdo, the association president, stated, "About 15% of taekwondo gyms nationwide have closed since the COVID-19 outbreak, and a significant portion of these are in the metropolitan area," adding, "Taekwondo instructors are in such a difficult situation that it is hard even to find daily wage jobs."