"Culturally, a smile signifies that I'm not holding a gun and I'm not a threat to you," said smile instructor Keiko Kawano.
For many people, the arbitrary nature of the pandemic, with tough rules one day about things like masks, and then rules discarded the next, has left an imprint.
Self-perception of attractiveness can impact one's social behavior. This study examined whether this could extend to wearing face masks.
During the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, Israelis were fined by government authorities for not wearing face masks in public places, and violent incidents ensued when people refused to don them.
The Health Ministry decision ends most of the requirements involving the pandemic that began over three years ago.
President Yoon Suk-yeol had rejected the opposition's demand he sack the minister after the disaster last year.
It's obviously harder to identify someone with a mask - but apparently, it is also harder to identify someone else while wearing a mask yourself!
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