PC Bang Group Opposes Business Restrictions: "Already at the Survival Limit"

A teenager receiving game tutoring at a PC bang. Photo by Asia Economy DB

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] The Korea Internet Content Service Cooperative, one of the small business organizations in the PC bang industry, has expressed its intention to oppose the restrictions on PC bang operations.

In a press release on the 18th, the cooperative stated, "With the social distancing level 2.5, which started on the 8th of last month, being extended for another two weeks and no clear indication of when normal operations can resume, the PC bang industry can no longer agree to quarantine policies that impose suffering solely on small business owners and self-employed individuals." They announced their plan to resume operations after 9 PM.

The cooperative emphasized, "PC bang owners, who have invested all their assets to continue their livelihoods, have already reached the limit of survival due to the government's irresponsible policy of enduring hardship with disaster relief funds that do not even cover electricity bills, and the complacent administration that neglects similar PC bang operations."

They also claimed, "PC tel and study cafes are exploiting the PC bang operation restrictions after 9 PM by providing gaming services, effectively operating as similar PC bangs," adding, "They allow minors to enter late at night and tacitly permit smoking."