"Viewers' Outrage Grows as Celebrities Test Positive Amid Calls to Wear Masks During Broadcasts"

Broadcasting and Performance Industry Hit by Successive COVID-19 Confirmations
Netizens "Celebrities Should Also Wear Masks"
Experts "Lax Quarantine Attitudes Negatively Affect Viewers"

Actors Jeon Dong-seok (left) and Shin Sung-rok (right), scheduled to appear in the musical 'Dracula.' Photo by Odi Company

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] "Is it not allowed to wear masks while broadcasting?"

Recently, as COVID-19 confirmed cases continue in the broadcasting and performance industries, voices criticizing the entertainment industry's lax quarantine measures are growing louder. It is pointed out that ignoring quarantine rules simply because it is 'broadcasting' is inappropriate compared to other professions. Some even call this a 'quarantine privilege' and argue that the entertainment industry should strengthen its quarantine measures. Experts point out that given the nature of filming sites where dozens of people gather, even one confirmed case can cause a huge ripple effect.

Recently, there has been controversy as news of COVID-19 confirmed cases among entertainers such as musical actors and idol group members has emerged one after another. Four lead actors of the musical 'Dracula,' which is set to open in May, including Son Junho, Shin Sungrok, Jeon Dongseok, and Kang Taeul, were recently diagnosed with COVID-19.

On the 28th, the production company Odi Company of 'Dracula' announced on its official Instagram, "An actor rehearsing for the musical 'Dracula' was diagnosed with COVID-19, and some individuals were classified as close contacts," adding, "During self-quarantine, an additional three people were diagnosed with COVID-19." It is reported that all of them are currently admitted to a residential treatment center receiving treatment.

Meanwhile, members Hyunwook and O.V of the idol group D-Crunch were also confirmed positive. Their agency, IGrand Korea, stated that Hyunwook and O.V voluntarily underwent testing after feeling mild cold symptoms and were finally confirmed positive on the morning of the 24th. As a result, singers Kang Daniel and Yoon Jisung, who appeared with them on music broadcasts, also underwent proactive testing.

Dozens of contestants who appeared on MBN's 'Voice King' sparked controversy by going on stage together without wearing masks. Photo by MBN, screen capture from 'Voice King'.

As news of entertainers testing positive for COVID-19 continues, calls for proper quarantine measures are growing.

One netizen criticized, "Are entertainers avoiding COVID-19? What’s the point of just showing subtitles saying 'following quarantine rules'? They neither keep social distancing nor wear masks, so how can they say they are following quarantine rules?"

They continued, "The public cannot meet in groups of five or more and must wear masks even if inconvenient. But watching broadcasts, it seems like COVID-19 has ended," emphasizing, "There should be no exceptions to quarantine measures just because it is broadcasting."

According to the revision of the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act, mandatory mask-wearing has been enforced since November 13 last year in places and facilities with high risk of infectious disease transmission. However, performances and broadcasts where faces must be shown are exempt from this provision. Accordingly, most entertainers have not worn masks during broadcasts.

However, as voices criticizing the broadcasting industry's quarantine guidelines emerged last year, most programs began displaying subtitles indicating that 'COVID-19 quarantine rules were followed.' Still, it remains difficult to see cast members wearing masks or practicing social distancing.

For example, the MBN program 'Voice King,' which first aired on the 13th, displayed subtitles stating 'personal quarantine rules were followed,' but controversy arose as over 90 participants appeared on stage without masks.

In the YouTube web variety show 'Nego King 2,' Jang Young-ran is hosting the broadcast while wearing a mask. Photo by YouTube channel 'Dalla Studio' screen capture.

As a result, some have criticized this as a 'quarantine privilege,' pointing out the broadcasting industry's overly lax attitude. Another netizen said, "It’s absurd to see entertainers wandering around without masks. It feels like they live in a different world," adding, "Nowadays, there are masks that show the mouth. I wish they would at least wear those."

Given the nature of filming sites where dozens gather, the probability of a cluster infection is high if even one person is confirmed positive. This risk is especially greater when mask-wearing and other measures are not properly followed.

Broadcaster and former golf player Park Seri was also diagnosed with COVID-19 after appearing on a broadcast without a mask alongside Son Junho, who was confirmed positive.

Experts have pointed out the lax quarantine status in the broadcasting industry and suggested the need to strengthen quarantine rules.

Popular culture critic Jung Deokhyun said, "Recently, quarantine rules in the broadcasting industry have tended to become more lax. On MBN's 'Voice King,' many participants appeared on stage without masks, causing controversy," adding, "Even if they announce 'pre-quarantine was done,' showing scenes where people gather without masks negatively influences viewers."

He continued, "Especially since many people such as on-site staff and cast gather for filming in the broadcasting industry, even one or two confirmed cases can cause a huge impact. Caution is necessary."