Sex, church and cherry blossoms

By David Tizzard

South Korea continues to tackle the Covid-19 situation successfully thanks to swift government decisions, expert advice being followed and a, by and large, conscientious public. But I cannot help but wonder if it would not be doing even better were it not for some citizens' love of that triumvirate of all things Korean: sex, church, and cherry blossoms.

And if any Netflix producers are reading and want to commission a series based on the title alone, I am sure we can make it work. We can also steer clear of some of the rather tired tropes and caricatures that appeared in the otherwise entertaining Itaewon Class.

On Saturday, the country reported 30 new cases of infections, bringing the total to 10,480. For reference, just over a month ago, on Feb. 29, the daily total in South Korea peaked at 909.

Most citizens have observed social and physical distancing over the past couple of months. Families remain at home where possible and ― for the most part― only venture out when absolutely necessary.

Unlike other countries that have demanded citizens stay by law, the South Korean government has chosen instead to provide guidelines for the most part. Perhaps being a post-authoritarian state and newly won democracy, any hint of a loss of legal liberties might well have been strongly opposed.

And it seems to have been the right decision.

Those who have ventured out while infected or untested have been publically shamed and had their journeys displayed and discussed on social media. Polish pet lovers, British golfers, and island hopping Gangnamites have all faced the wrath of netizens for not observing the correct protocol.

The power of the law may be one thing, but hell hath no fury like a South Korean public enraged. The gusts of popular feeling blow strong here and when they do, it is wise not to be in the way ― whether you are a horse-riding student or president.

Wary of this, and for the most part united in a desire to overcome the situation and return to normalcy, many have simply ordered delivery food, fired up Final Fantas … no that's Japanese … Animal Cros … erm, video games, and hunkered down.

That is except for those who need a bit of comforting, either through fornication, floral stimulation, or a religious word also beginning with f.

The anger directed against some churches here for continuing to operate faith-based services despite the warnings was, I think, warranted. Without wanting to create scapegoats, health advice clearly stated such large congregations of people were ripe for trouble.

Many churches and temples did indeed shut their doors ― some, however, including the Shincheonji church, refused and created a cluster of infections that then spread around the country proving that actions can have far-reaching and long-lasting consequences.

Many called for all members of the church to be named and shamed, as well as demanding that the leaders provide public apologies by groveling on their knees. Mayor of Seoul Park Won-soon asked prosecutors to launch a murder investigation into Lee Man-hee's “Church of Jesus.”

But will he be doing the same for the latest outbreak?

It is hard to describe the establishment at which mass testings were recently required: common parlance might call it a room salon. While that term perhaps conjures up images of cowboys and pianos, the Korean version is a little less west but nevertheless wild.

Ultimately, it is a place in which people pay for entertainment from the opposite sex. But it is not your typical red light down by the port attracting sailors and ne'er do wells.

It is in the heart of downtown Seoul and is reportedly a frequent haunt of celebrities, politicians and athletes ― a playground for the rich and famous.

One woman who worked there as a “hostess” came into contact with 118 people according to officials. Initial reports had the number close to 500.

A relatively minor male celebrity has seemingly been offered up as the one to blame. The story has it that he visited Japan, brought the disease back, and then infected the hostess.

The mayor has, to his credit, now ordered that another 422 of these establishments that had not voluntarily shut down will be forced to close until April 19.

After that, no doubt, it will be business as usual. But remember that the country is still dealing with a serious and long-standing social problem related to sex crimes, and I wrote recently how the laws simply do not seem to work here.

Prostitution is illegal. These venues are known for their services.

The law is seemingly only applied when necessary. This creates cognitive dissonance amongst the public and suggests that if you are lucky, you will not be punished for doing illegal things.

Whether such establishments and practices are legal or illegal is up to the country and its lawmakers to decide. There are arguments and examples in different nations for and against ― but one would only hope that ultimately there would be a degree of cohesion between the law and reality.

As for the cherry blossom visiting, selfie stick-holding visitors, do they not realize that every year the photos look the same? Just put up last year's close-up of some flower petals and no-one will know the difference.

David Tizzard (datizzard@swu.ac.kr) is an assistant professor at Seoul Women's University and lectures in politics and history and Hanyang University. He presents economic and cultural issues on "Business Now" on TBS eFM (101.3FM) live every Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.