The Salvation Army in Korea Wrestles with Second Wave of Coronavirus

The Salvation Army has taken a lead in demonstrating responsible and appropriate action as COVID-19 confirmed cases rise in the Republic of Korea.

THE Republic of Korea has seen an increase in confirmed COVID-19 infections since mid-August, with rallies held by some Christian groups in Seoul suspected of accelerating the dispersal of the virus. With churches being heavily criticised, The Salvation Army has taken a lead in demonstrating responsible and appropriate action both to limit the spread of the disease and to meet human needs in a rapidly-changing context.
 
The Salvation Army’s Korea Territory has implemented online-only worship meetings across the country, in order to maximise social distancing and prevent non-essential gatherings. The movement’s headquarters in Seoul has also enforced a work-from-home policy for its staff, with only minimum numbers of essential personnel remaining on site.
 
Despite the logistical challenges, The Salvation Army in Korea is continuing to do its best to provide relief supplies to marginalised people affected by coronavirus and the effects of more stringent government restrictions on movement, as well as those affected by severe flooding. Landslides caused by 46 days of heavy rain have left thousands of people displaced in the southern part of the Korean peninsula.
 
Young people who are part of The Salvation Army’s Choong Chung Division in the west of the country are putting their faith into action to help homeless and other vulnerable people who have been particularly badly affected by COVID-19. Care packages have been distributed at locations such as Daejeon railway station, approximately 160 kilometres south of the capital.
 
‘I started this group because I thought I had to do something to help people in need,’ says one of the young people involved. 
 
Members of the group – wearing personal protective equipment and face coverings – also pray together and stop to talk to vulnerable people in some of the city’s more deprived areas. This includes places such as the Jjok-bang slum where there are many low-income households unable to cope with the additional hardship that COVID-19 brings.
 
As well as serving the community, taking part in the aid distributions has also been a blessing to some participants. One young woman says: ‘I feel like Jesus is telling me “there are so many people you need to help”. And I always feel the joy when I come here, and I feel full of happiness when I leave.’
 
Commissioner Chang, Man-hee – The Salvation Army’s leader in Korea – adds: ‘We pray for the spread [of the virus] to be decreased and that The Salvation Army would continue to assist people in need in Korea for the glory of our Father in heaven.’
 
A short video produced by the young people has been published at vimeo.com/salvationarmyihq/faithinactiondaejeon
 
From a report by Korea Territory
IHQ Communications
International Headquarters

 

Notes to editors

  • Updates as The Salvation Army continues to respond to COVID-19 around the world can be found at sar.my/covid19

 

Discover more

Adults and children sing in a family choir
Denmark and Greenland
The General

Guided by God’s compass

A festival of faith, family and forward movement in Denmark

Faith-Based Facilitation
Strategy and impact

Faith-Based Facilitation

Faith-Based Facilitation is a way of helping people think, talk, explore and respond to issues in the light of faith.

Volunteers unload supplies from a Salvation Army emergency vehicle
Emergency response
USA Southern

The Salvation Army responds to catastrophic Texas floods

Emergency Disaster Services teams are working around the clock to provide meals, drinks and emotional and spiritual care to communities in Central Texas, USA, following the devastating flooding of the Guadalupe River.

World map with countries highlighted in different colours
Strategy and impact

World Map

A downloadable map showing countries in which The Salvation Army is at work.

A group of young Salvationists in front of the exhibition 'Transforming lives for 160 years'
International Headquarters

Salvation Army celebrates 160 years; anticipates powerful future

Transforming lives and communities since 1865

Modern slavery and human trafficking

Spot the Signs

Driven by poverty, conflict, persecution – and the global demand for cheap goods, labour and sex – modern slavery and human trafficking are thriving worldwide. Yes, even in your own community.

Victims often can’t ask for help. They rely on others – on