(LEAD) Seoul says it may take 'reciprocal' steps against Japan's entry restrictions over coronavirus

(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with NSC meeting results)

SEOUL, March 6 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's presidential office on Friday expressed "strong regret" over Japan's entry restrictions on people arriving from South Korea amid the spread of the new coronavirus, saying it may take measures under the principle of reciprocity.

Seoul's warning of possible corresponding steps came one day after Tokyo said people arriving from South Korea and China will be quarantined at designated facilities for up to two weeks, citing concerns over the outbreak of the coronavirus in the countries.

"National Security Council (NSC) members agreed to consider taking necessary steps that may include steps under the principle of reciprocity, noting the Japanese government taking the unreasonable steps without first consulting with our government cannot be understood," the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said of a NSC meeting held earlier in the day.

South Korea is apparently upset with Japan because Seoul earlier refused to take similar steps on people arriving from countries affected by COVID-19 outbreaks, including Japan, despite repeated public calls to do so as part of efforts to limit the spread of the novel virus.

"While our country is sternly dealing with COVID-19 under its scientific and transparent quarantine system that is highly evaluated by the rest of the world, Japan is losing its faith from the international community because of its ambiguous and passive quarantine efforts," Cheong Wa Dae said.
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