What Do You Think About "Stop Disaster Relief Funds for Hunting Pocha Youth"?

"Hunting Pocha Visitors Should Repay Disaster Relief Funds"... Cheong National Petition
Civilians Outraged: "Flouting Quarantine Rules and Enjoying Nightlife Is Outrageous"

On the 3rd, a Gwangjin-gu official is conducting disinfection work at a pojangmacha near Konkuk University Station. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Criticism is rising that disaster relief funds should be reclaimed from visitors to the "Hunting Pocha" where a COVID-19 cluster infection occurred. This is a kind of public outrage, or "gwaesimjwe," not only for their responsibility in spreading COVID-19 but also for enjoying nightlife while violating quarantine rules.

On the Blue House's national petition board, a petition has been posted urging the prevention of disaster relief payments to these individuals, amplifying the voices condemning the so-called "Hunting Pocha confirmed cases." On the other hand, while criticism is possible, some argue that withholding disaster relief funds during the COVID-19 crisis is not only unfair but also harsh.

On the 9th, a petition titled "Emergency Disaster Relief Fund Forced Reclamation for People Who Visited Hunting Pocha" was posted on the petition board. The petitioner appealed, "Emergency disaster relief funds are provided to citizens who are working hard on current COVID-19 prevention efforts," adding, "I ask for a ban on applications and payments of emergency disaster relief funds to those who visited entertainment bars and only caused harm without contributing to COVID-19 prevention, and for orders to cancel and reclaim such funds."

According to health authorities, about 60 COVID-19 confirmed cases occurred over the past ten days at a Hunting Pocha in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. The petitioner pointed out, "I cannot understand giving disaster relief funds to these malicious citizens who neither contribute to COVID-19 prevention efforts nor refrain from causing harm."

They further criticized, "If disaster relief funds are given to those who think that hunting is more important than prevention, it is certain that they will use the funds to visit entertainment bars, which could cause citizens who are working hard on prevention to feel discriminated against." They emphasized, "It is not too late even now. If our country is to focus on prevention, this moment must show the seriousness."

It was confirmed that the establishment had registered as a regular restaurant but illegally operated as a sensory bar (club). Seoul City plans to charge the facility owner for all treatment and quarantine costs related to confirmed cases. Gwangjin-gu also detected dancing inside the regular restaurant on the 28th of last month and imposed a two-month business suspension.

A petition from people who visited hunting pubs requesting the revocation of 'disaster relief fund eligibility'. Photo by Cheongwadae National Petition Board capture

As the situation unfolded, public criticism against them grew. Kim, a company employee in his 40s, raised his voice, saying, "Not only should disaster relief funds not be provided, but fines should also be imposed." He added, "They may think they are fine, but what will they do if confirmed cases appear among their family or others?" expressing frustration.

Lee, a college student in their 20s, said, "I understand wanting to hang out with friends, but isn't this a bit much right now?" and criticized, "I can only think they are selfish. It's pathetic."

On the other hand, some believe that blocking or reclaiming disaster relief funds is excessive criticism and harsh. Park, an office worker in their 30s, said, "Since they are already facing appropriate measures for violating quarantine rules, blocking disaster relief funds seems like an excessive punishment." He added, "Personally, I think they have been criticized enough."

Seoul City plans to claim damages from the Pocha. Park Yu-mi, Director of the Seoul City Citizen Health Bureau, stated in a briefing on the 3rd, "We have decided to charge all costs, including treatment and quarantine expenses, arising from the cluster infection related to the Pocha." They are also considering imposing fines on customers who violated quarantine guidelines. Customers who were seen on the Pocha's closed-circuit television (CCTV) removing masks except when eating or violating the "ban on private gatherings of five or more" will be targeted.

Meanwhile, the number of new COVID-19 confirmed cases increased for two consecutive days, rising again to the 400s. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency Central Disease Control Headquarters announced that as of midnight on the 10th, 444 new COVID-19 cases were reported. The cumulative number of confirmed cases reached 81,930.

After decreasing from 372 on the 7th to 289 on the 8th, the number of new COVID-19 cases increased to the 300s on the 9th. Then, it rose again to the 400s on the 10th, showing an increasing trend for two consecutive days. It has been six days since the number of confirmed cases was last in the 400s, when 451 new cases were confirmed on the 4th.