Democratic Party Urges "Hwang Kyo-ahn to Appeal for Restraint in Rallies"

Seoul City has decided to temporarily ban gatherings at Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul Plaza, and Cheonggye Plaza to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Meanwhile, on the 23rd, the National Rally to Set the Republic of Korea Straight, hosted by the Moon Jae-in Resignation National Struggle Headquarters (Beomtubon), is being held in front of the Kyobo Building in Gwanghwamun, Seoul. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] The Democratic Party of Korea evaluated Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun's national address on the night of the 22nd as timely and stated, "Let us overcome the COVID-19 crisis through trust in the government and medical staff and the active participation of the people."

On the 23rd, the Democratic Party said in a written briefing on current issues, "Considering the urgent situation with a rapid increase in confirmed cases and the rising public anxiety ahead of numerous events on Sunday, although it was late at night, it was timely for the government to clarify its position."

They added, "Although the recent surge in confirmed cases was an unexpected situation stemming from the activities of a specific religious group, the Shincheonji Church, Prime Minister Chung expressed regret and took responsibility for not being able to prevent it, humbly acknowledging the government's unlimited responsibility for the safety of the people."

They pointed out that Prime Minister Chung emphasized that "in the early mild stage, the disease has high transmissibility but low fatality rate. If detected early and treated promptly, it is a disease that can be fully cured." He also conveyed the urgent need for voluntary participation and cooperation from the public, urging people to refrain from events in confined indoor spaces and crowded outdoor gatherings. Along with this, he stated the government's firm stance on dealing with acts that hinder quarantine efforts, hoarding, and unreasonable mass assemblies.

The Democratic Party emphasized, "We will spare no effort and cooperation to serve as a stepping stone for the public's voluntary participation along with full trust in the government and medical staff."

At the same time, they said that the government must respond firmly to the Gwanghwamun rallies held by some conservative groups. The Democratic Party criticized, "Despite the government's appeal to refrain from mass gatherings and Seoul City's firm stance on countermeasures, some conservative groups forcibly held rallies at Gwanghwamun. Jeon Kwang-hoon, chairman of the Korea Christian Federation, presented unproven arbitrary grounds by claiming 'there is no infection outdoors' and mocked the judiciary and public authority by saying, 'There is a substantive hearing for the arrest warrant on the 24th, so please pray that I can participate in next week's rally,' treating the concerns and anxieties of many citizens lightly."

They added, "The conservative camp must also demonstrate the ability to self-regulate to prevent such behavior. In particular, Hwang Kyo-ahn, the representative and candidate in this area, should actively appeal for restraint to the groups insisting on holding rallies and show a responsible attitude." They urged the government and Seoul City to "no longer hesitate and respond firmly."

On the same day, the United Future Party commented, "We express encouragement and respect to the medical staff who are devoted and sacrificing themselves to overcome the Wuhan pneumonia," adding, "Despite the government's delayed response, the reason the people can endure is solely because of the medical staff, and despite the government's cautious approach toward China, the reason the people can have hope is only because they trust them."

They emphasized, "The government must promptly provide human and material support. This is not only for the safety of the people but also for the medical staff who are the last bastion in overcoming Wuhan pneumonia."

The United Future Party stated, "Unless foreign nationals who have visited all over China are banned from entering, no matter how hard the medical staff work overnight, it will be like 'pouring water into a bottomless jar.' No matter how excellent the skills of Korean medical staff are, without fundamentally blocking the source of infection, we cannot expect the sacrifices and dedication of the medical staff to continue indefinitely."

They promised that this incident would lead to the establishment of institutional measures allowing medical staff to focus solely on treatment without worry during national crises, and that they would actively engage in legislative and budgetary support in the National Assembly.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.