WORLDWIDE ATTENTION ON S. KOREA'S MEASURES

[Anchor Lead]

Korea's disease prevention system that led to a successful containment of COVID-19 has won global attention. Above all, the absolute transparency of disease control leadership and mature civic spirit have been applauded as the key factors in Korea's success.

[Pkg]

​South Korea had a sudden surge in the number of COVID-19 cases in late February, due to a cluster from a religious gathering. It appeared the nation was destined to have the second highest number, next to China.

[Soundbite] CNN REPORT(FEB. 26)

But while cases skyrocketed in Europe and the U.S., the figures here in the nation began to plummet. That was when the world started paying attention to Korea. Foreign media focused mostly on the widespread testing and contact tracing. Through these means Korea was able to quickly detect and isolate infected people and subsequently stop the virus from spreading into communities. Also, preemptive testing and treatment helped lower the fatality rate.

[Soundbite] TEDROS ADHANOM GHEBREYESUS(WHO DIRECTOR-GENERAL (MAR. 18)) : "Korea earned high praise for coming up with the innovative drive-thru and walk-thru test facilities. Other countries rushed to adopt the speedy and safe systems. They also started emulating Korean disease experts' transparent daily briefings on infection cases."

[Soundbite] DONALD TRUMP(U.S. PRESIDENT(APR. 14))

What amazed the world the most is that Korea successfully contained the disease without ordering a lock-down. Something that's very rare. Experts hailed citizens' strict compliance and willing cooperation with the social distancing order and personal hygiene routines as the key contributing factor to Korea's success. The level of trust in the government became evident when the highest voter turnout rate was recorded for the April general election. This showed that Korea has become a global model for disease prevention.

[Soundbite] ANGELA MERKEL(CHANCELLOR, GERMANY(APR. 20)) : "We learned from Korea's COVID-19 response that contact tracing is essential."

A country that at one time faced international ridicule is now setting the standard in battling the virus, with the world continually turning for guidance.