A doctor in surgical attire sitting on a subway seat designated for pregnant women has sparked controversy online. The hospital's website, where the individual is believed to work, experienced an influx of complaints that caused temporary access issues.
On the 5th, a photo of a man in surgical attire sitting on a subway seat for pregnant women while looking at his smartphone was posted on an online community. A bag, believed to be his belongings, was placed on the adjacent seat. The photo is reported to have been first revealed through a doctors' online community.
Criticism also poured in from within the medical community. Some members pointed out, "It's disgraceful for a perfectly healthy man to occupy a seat designated for pregnant women," and, "There are concerns about the hygiene issues related to surgical attire." On the other hand, some defended him saying, "Isn't it just a matter of moving aside when a pregnant woman arrives?" and, "Is it an excessive attack on a doctor who handles essential medical care?"
As the photo spread to other communities, the controversy heated up among general internet users as well. Criticism such as, "I'm really embarrassed," clashed with counterarguments like, "It's a considerate seat, not a reserved seat," and there were many assertions that "the surgical attire itself is the bigger issue."
This controversy is closely related to the practical operation issues of the pregnant women seat system. According to the Seoul Transportation Corporation, last year there were 6,286 reports related to seats for pregnant women. Most of these reports stated that non-pregnant individuals occupied the seats and did not give them up. Although the system has been in place for over 10 years, an average of about 17 complaints still arise daily.
Some argue for the introduction of mandatory measures, such as installing sensors on the pregnant women seats to provide vocal guidance when non-pregnant individuals sit there. However, experts point out that this could lead to unnecessary conflict and waste of budget, stating, "Improving awareness and establishing a culture of yielding seats is the priority."