South Korea said on Friday it will lift an outdoor mask mandate next week in the country's latest step to ease COVID-19 restrictions, despite opposition from the incoming government, which labeled the decision premature.
Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum said the decision was made as the government could "no longer look away" from the inconveniences experienced by its citizens when the country's virus situation was stabilizing.
People are still required to wear masks at events with 50 attendants or more, such as at rallies, concerts and sports stadiums, Kim said.