Gaming plague sweeps South Korea, at least 1 million infected
by James Ransom-Wiley 
{ Jun 15th 2006 at 2:55PM }
First SARS, then bird flu, and now video games. In the past three years, South Korea has been a hotbed for the contemporary world's most deadly plagues.Despite government intervention, an estimated 1 million South Koreans exhibit symptoms of the most severe stages of the gaming virus, forcing many to drop out of school or quit their jobs. Some are so sick they can barely eat or maintain an appropriate level of personal hygiene. In 2005, at least seven individuals fell victim to the disease, and according to a recent survey, 6 out of 10 South Koreans, ages 9 to 39, show signs of infection.
Some speculate that the gaming plague has found a home in South Korea due to the country's fascination with new technology, a government policy that encourages the internet as an engine for economic growth, and a prevalence of urban, high-rise apartment blocks that make broadband networks commercially viable. It is not known at this time, to what extent, the video game virus has spread beyond South Korean borders. Here in the US, the threat level remains 'orange.'
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Brian @ Jun 15th 2006 3:00PM
Win for the starcraft cameo in the background. :-)
Hepme @ Jun 15th 2006 3:08PM
Starcraft for the win!
I don't remember which country it was, but I remember reading something about a TV show that was dedicated to just showing starcraft matches. I'd half watch something like that with a book in hand
David @ Jun 15th 2006 3:18PM
I'm half Korean and I feel that I can spend half of everything in my life to technology and games. The only problem is my dad was white and I got married.
On a more serious side however, again, it's the parents. If the parents paid attention to their kids, no matter if they are Korean, American, British, Mexican, Indian, Japanese, etc, then a lot of this crap wouldnt happen. Spend time with them. Teach them. Learn from them.
So parents: CONTROL YOUR KIDS OR GET YOUR JUNK CUT.
Blink @ Jun 15th 2006 3:24PM
Actually, we do have a variation of the disease here in the United States. I believe it's refered to as WoW.
Gonzo @ Jun 15th 2006 3:27PM
Few realize that this plague is deadly. I believe the first (and only) victim was a 28 year old man from Tegu last year.
I believe the particular strain was starcraft: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4137782.stm
The only known innoculation is becoming a luddite.
striderhayasa @ Jun 15th 2006 3:27PM
yeah, gaming is great and all and I used to play a lot more when I was a kid but I went outside too and played ball and gymnastics and ran through the neighborhood acting like a nut. There has to be some kind of balance. Gaming can easily become too much of a good thing if unchecked.
n8dogg @ Jun 16th 2006 2:23AM
Just to let ya'll know, South Korea was the Asian country LEAST affected by the SARS epidemic, despite being smack dab between China and Japan.
I say it's the kim-chee.