Author: GIKorea

I wonder how stringently this law is going to be enforced? My suspicion is that it will be selectively enforced just like traffic laws to make a point from time to time:

South Korea will impose a fine on people who fail to wear face masks in public spaces and on transportation starting Nov. 13 to better combat the coronavirus pandemic, officials said Sunday. 

The general public will be required to wear masks on public transportation and at demonstrations as well as medical and care facilities, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).

If people do not wear masks in such spaces, they will face a fine of up to 100,000 won ($85.50), the KDCA said. 

However, the obligation will be exempted for people aged under 14 and those who are unable to wear masks due to medical conditions, officials said. 

The fine could also be applied to people who wear masks under their noses in such spaces, the KDCA said. 

The nation will launch a 30-day grace period for mandatory masks in such spaces starting Oct. 13. 

A scarf or certain types of masks that cannot protect others from the virus will not be allowed under the obligation, the KDCA said. 

Korea Herald

You can read more at the link.

The Democratic Party of Korea appears to really be enjoying the crackdown on their conservative critics:

Lee Nak-yon, the head of the ruling Democratic Party, said in a Facebook post Saturday that the police should work to prevent rallies planned for Hangeul Day, which falls Oct. 9. He thanked law enforcement for almost perfectly preventing illegal protests on Oct. 3.

“We are somewhat relieved at the moment, but some organizations have announced plans for more rallies on Hangeul Day,” Lee wrote, adding that preventing mass gatherings will help the country stay clear of the virus and shore up its struggling economy.

“Whatever the reason may be, illegal gatherings and deterring virus control measures are by no means acceptable. I hope the police do the same and block illegal rallies on Hangeul Day while preventing potential danger.”

Korea Herald

You can read more at the link, but it is clear they plan to use the coronavirus as an excuse to stop anti-government rallies for as long as possible.

This is a much needed system to protect the Greater Seoul Metropolitan Area from North Korea’s long range artillery:

South Korea will begin developing its own interceptor system like Israel’s Iron Dome in the next five years to defend the country’s core infrastructure in the capital area against North Korea’s long-range artillery threats, the defense ministry said Monday. 

Unveiling its defense blueprint for 2021-2025, the ministry also said it will officially begin procedures to acquire a light aircraft carrier next year and start the production of a homegrown fighter jet which is currently under development.

The defense program calls for spending 300.7 trillion won (US$253 billion), a 6.1 percent on-year hike on average over the next five years. Of the total, 100 trillion won was allocated for improving defense capabilities, while the remaining 200 trillion won was set for force management.

“When we talk about South Korea’s missile defense system, it usually refers to one targeting North Korea’s Scud-type or stronger missiles, whereas this new interceptor system will focus on protecting the capital area against the North’s long-range artillery such as its 240-mm or 300-mm multiple rocket launchers,” a ministry official said.

Yonhap

You can read more at the link, but this domestically produced system will not be available until the late 2020’s or into the 2030’s. It seems with a vulnerability as bad as this one the ROK should just purchase the Iron Dome system from Israel.

To stop the spread of coronavirus many South Korean cemeteries have created virtual means for families to honor deceased relatives:

Over the five-day holiday, South Korea announced, all public cemeteries would close or operate in a strictly limited capacity with reservations. Such unease seemed as if from another time. So much so that the provincial office of North Gyeongsang province noted on its social media account that historical texts dating to the 16th century showed rites had been canceled at the time because of disease outbreaks including smallpox.

For Yi Jun-jae, 46, this Chuseok would have marked the first year holding rites for his father, who passed away in January.

He is the eldest son of the eldest son, which in South Korea’s patriarchal society gives him the responsibility to uphold traditions. Growing up, he was instilled with the importance of his roots, and the fact that he exists only because of previous generations.

Even so, when he saw that Goesan National Cemetery, where his father, Yi Kang-bup, is interred, would be closed to visits during the holiday, he thought his father would understand.

“The living shouldn’t spread the virus to remember the dead,” he said. “Ancestors are important, but given the circumstances, what’s in the heart is what matters.”

He signed up for a virtual remembrance, in which the national cemetery, where his father is buried because he fought in the Korean War, would lay a flower and pay their respects in his stead and email him photos. Yi was one of hundreds to log on to the cemetery’s website to experience a new, socially distanced ritual.

Stars & Stripes

You can read more at the link

Does any ROK Heads have any good names for this new ROK fighter jet?:

The Air Force has launched a naming contest for the country’s next-generation fighter jet under development, officials said Friday.

South Korea is building the first prototype jet for the KF-X project after its design was confirmed last year, according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration.

Through Oct. 30, South Koreans can submit suggestions for the new fighter with an explanation on how they represent the new jet’s mission. 

The winner will be given a model aircraft with an award from the Air Force chief of staff, officials said. 

Under the KF-X project worth 8.8 trillion won (US$7.5 billion), South Korea has been working since late 2015 to develop a homegrown cutting-edge fighter aircraft to replace the Air Force’s aging fleet of F-4 and F-5 jets.

Yonhap

You can read more at the link.

I just love the irony of this, to stop a large gathering at Gwanghwamun, the police are instead having a large gathering:

Police stepped up their guard Saturday to prevent conservative activists from holding illegal rallies in central Seoul amid concerns about the spread of COVID-19. 

Several conservative groups planned rallies on the Oct.3 National Foundation Day to protest the liberal government’s policies despite the administrations strong warnings amid a resurgence in the coronavirus pandemic. 

Officers said they set up inspection points in 90 locations connecting to central Seoul and were checking vehicles entering the area

Police buses were parked in lines on the main streets linking Gwanghwamun and City Hall in central Seoul; while subway trains were not stopping at nearby stations.

Korea Times via a reader tip

You can read more at the link.