COVID-19 in South Korea: Lessons for developing countries. (November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lee, Daejoong; Heo, Kyungmoo; Seo, Yongseok
• Is Part Of: World development. Volume 135(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-11
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- Pandemic -- Korea -- Testing -- Contact tracing -- Social distancing; Economic history -- 1990- -- Periodicals; Economic assistance -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; 330.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2020.105057
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-750X

Abstract

Highlights: The South Korean approach to COVID-19 may be difficult to emulate but provides important implications for developing countries. Developing countries should strengthen the following core competencies: digital technology, efficient governance, and civic partnership. Developing country should be open and transparent in disclosing all information on COVID-19 to the public. When conducting an epidemiological survey, there should be adequate measures safeguarding the privacy of infected individuals. Abstract: South Korea's response is considered by many as one the most effective models against COVID-19. The average number of new cases per day fell to 6.4 in the first week of May and currently 90% of all confirmed cases have fully recovered after a massive outbreak in February 29. First, South Korea has flattened the curve of COVID-19 by combining testing, early isolation, and free treatment of positive cases combined with digital technologies without taking to "lockdown" measures. Second, South Korea has been holding press briefings twice a day and disclosed all information on COVID-19 to the public in an open and transparent manner. Third, South Korea has worked to secure the civic participation and voluntary engagement of citizens and businesses. The South Korean approach to COVID-19 may be difficult to emulate even for countries like the U.S. and U.K., but provides important policy implications for developing countries and needs for strengthening three core competencies against the outbreak of an epidemic: digital technology, efficient health governance, and civic partnership. It is a great challenge for developing countries to fight alone against COVID-19. As such, the international community should work to strengthen these core competencies accordingly.