Graphics by Bae So-young



By Kwak Yeon-soo



With a slate of films set to hit local screens in coming weeks despite the pandemic, major multiplex chains are implementing "seat separation" policies in an attempt to counter the spread of COVID-19.



Megabox announced Thursday it has instituted an "Adding Safety" policy to reduce their maximum capacity by 50 percent due to the outbreak.



The reduced capacity will help to ensure a safe distance between customers as the sale of tickets will be restricted to seats in even-numbered rows. Seats in odd-numbered rows will be left empty.



This unusual precaution comes in line with social distancing guidelines from the Korea Center for Disease Control and Prevention.



However, wheelchair-accessible seats can be booked regardless of the new policy. The ticketing system has been updated accordingly and the closed rows are now shown as unavailable.



"The health and safety of our customers is very important to us. With reduced-capacity auditoriums, we are providing visitors with a choice that will let them feel safe from a social distancing perspective," Megabox said in a statement.



Multiplex chain Lotte Cinema said Friday it will implement a "Healthy Distancing" campaign, asking customers to ensure there are two empty seats between their party and other audience members. The new rule will go into effect on Saturday and last until further notice.



The chain added it will increase the frequency of cleaning and disinfection of all high-traffic areas throughout the day.



All locations will enforce the cleaning of kiosks, handrails, and box office counters every two hours. Employees have also been instructed to wash their hands and not come to work if they have a fever or other COVID-19 symptoms.



"We request all our customers leave two empty seats between their group and other parties," a Lotte Cinema official said, "We advise them to wear face masks and use hand sanitizers when entering the cinema."



The chain temporarily closed 13 branches in hard-hit Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province.



CGV said it will sell seats in every other row and suggest customers choose seats with adequate space between other parties.



Cine Q, operated by film distributor NEW, has been carrying out a "seat separation" policy at its Sindorim branch since March 18 by keeping seats in front of and behind customers so that parties can maintain a comfortable social distance from one another.



According to data from the Korean Film Council, the number of moviegoers in Korea fell to a 15-year low of 7.37 million in February amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The daily number of moviegoers fell below 40,000 nationwide as of Thursday.

