[Initial Insight] On the 'Freedom of Assembly' in the Pandemic Era

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Koh Hyung-kwang] The number of daily new COVID-19 cases in South Korea has finally surpassed 2,000. Although health authorities extended the “Level 4 social distancing in the metropolitan area and Level 3 in non-metropolitan areas” measures for two more weeks until the 22nd, the spread of the virus shows no signs of slowing down. On Saturday the 7th, new cases exceeded 1,700, marking the highest weekend figure ever recorded, and on the 10th, the number soared well beyond 2,000, indicating a worsening trend. The nationwide spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant, increased travel during the summer vacation season, and breakthrough infections despite vaccination have made it difficult to contain the flames of the fourth wave. Due to the prolonged Level 4 distancing, self-employed business owners nationwide face the worst survival crisis, and students’ right to education is seriously infringed as online classes become the norm.

In this situation, conservative and progressive groups have announced large-scale rallies in downtown Seoul during the Liberation Day holiday from August 14 to 16, heightening tensions. During this period, 41 organizations have reported a total of 316 rallies in downtown Seoul. The number of participants is expected to reach around 120,000. Seoul city and the police have notified all groups of bans on rallies and demonstrations based on the Assembly and Demonstration Act and the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act. However, these groups remain defiant. Since rally and demonstration notifications only need to be submitted 48 hours in advance, the number of reports and participants is expected to increase. There are concerns that these rallies could pour fuel on the fire of the fourth COVID-19 wave.

At a time when the entire nation is enduring hardship and practicing social distancing to curb the spread of COVID-19, forcibly holding mass gatherings that exacerbate virus transmission is clearly causing enormous harm to society as a whole. Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church, who leads the People’s Revolutionary Party, drew national outrage last year by holding a rally near Gwanghwamun in Seoul on Liberation Day in violation of quarantine rules. Approximately 10,000 people gathered at the rally, resulting in hundreds of confirmed cases. This became the spark for the second wave of COVID-19. Participants who came from all over the country returned to their regions, fueling the spread.

The People’s Revolutionary Party is planning the largest rally again this Liberation Day. They declared, “We will break through oppression and repression and successfully hold the August 15 National Rally to impeach the Moon Jae-in administration.” While the public is participating in the fight against the virus by “emergency stopping,” forcibly holding illegal rallies is an irresponsible act that creates holes in the fragile front line of quarantine and endangers the community. Such unscrupulous behavior amid the majority of citizens enduring hardship and cooperating with quarantine measures cannot be justified under any pretext.

With 70% of the entire population expected to complete vaccination and achieve herd immunity by late October to early November, the top priority until then is to comply with social distancing and personal quarantine rules to prevent worsening conditions. Despite prolonged distancing causing fatigue, most citizens strive to follow quarantine guidelines, fully aware of the situation. Those who deliberately violate quarantine rules and threaten public health must remember that this is not only a violation of the right to assembly but also an act of violence and outrage against the people. While the constitutional rights to assembly and association must be guaranteed, they cannot take precedence over the life and safety of the nation’s citizens.