Yoon Seok-yeol Takes Taxi Without Mask, Sparks Controversy Over Quarantine Rule Violation

'No Mask' Quarantine Rule Violation Pointed Out
Received Correction Request from Central Disease Control Headquarters on 30th Last Month

On the 19th, Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential pre-candidate of the People Power Party, arrived by taxi at the Busan Private Taxi Association in Yeonje-gu, Busan. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Yoon Seok-yeol, a presidential pre-candidate from the People Power Party, sparked controversy over violating quarantine rules after being caught on camera getting out of a taxi without wearing a mask.

On the 19th, during a visit to the Busan Private Taxi Association to listen to local public opinion, former Prosecutor General Yoon was not wearing a mask the moment he got out of the taxi. This led some to criticize that Yoon might have violated quarantine rules.

According to the government's quarantine guidelines, masks must always be worn indoors, including in taxis, regardless of the social distancing level. Failure to wear a mask can result in a fine of 100,000 KRW.

In the past, Yoon has been involved in several controversies over violating quarantine rules. Regarding his campaign without a mask among a large crowd during his visit to Jukdo Market in Pohang, Gyeongbuk, on the 17th of last month, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) notified the People Power Party Secretariat on the 30th of last month, requesting correction to ensure mask-wearing at the same event.

On the same afternoon at the Korean Buddhist History and Culture Memorial Hall in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Yoon was also seen not following quarantine rules. While Jogye Order officials were waiting outside the building, Yoon arrived by car and greeted the monks with a traditional gesture without wearing a mask. He put on a mask belatedly after an aide handed him one.