The Korea Times opens 2nd newsroom to prepare for coronavirus emergency
Korea Times staff at work in a second newsroom in Yongsan, about 15 minutes by car from the main newspaper's main office near Seoul Station, Tuesday. The parallel newsroom was set up in response to the coronavirus epidemic that could cause the main office to be closed. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk
By Oh Young-jin
The Korea Times has set up a second newsroom, separate from its main office in Wise Tower near Seoul Station.
This is to ensure that The Korea Times can remain in operation and still be published should one of the offices be forced to close due to the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic.
The novel coronavirus is having a devastating effect with confirmed cases being reported throughout the country, particularly in Daegu, the epicenter of the outbreak here, and the neighboring North Gyeongsang Province.
Lotte Department Store, Pacific Hotel and LS buildings in Seoul, among others, have been shut down for disinfection operations.
Some of our staff ― including desk editors ― have moved to the parallel newsroom, about a 15-minute car ride from our main office, with newspaper layout computers in place. It is quarantined from the main office and will take over parts of its functions in the case of an emergency.
Despite the internet age and our digital efforts, there may be challenges in maintaining two separate newsrooms. Communication remains a vital ingredient in producing our newspaper on time without any errors.
The Korea Times will continue to do its best to overcome any problems and to bring the best we have to our readers.