Lee In-young "Shincheonji's Non-cooperation Cannot Be Ignored Any Longer... Facilities Must Be Temporarily Closed"

Lee In-young, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Hong Nam-ki, Deputy Prime Minister for Economy, are attending a high-level meeting on COVID-19 held at the Democratic Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul on the 25th, and are talking before the meeting begins. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] Lee In-young, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, emphasized on the 25th that "the situation where the full investigation of Shincheonji members, who have been identified as the cause of the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), is facing difficulties due to Shincheonji's non-cooperation should no longer be tolerated."

At the party-government-civil administration meeting held at the central party office that day, Lee said, "The government should secure the list of Shincheonji members, which has become the focus of public concern, and immediately take measures such as the temporary closure of facilities and orders to suspend gatherings."

He continued, "Next week is said to be the golden time that will determine the direction of the COVID-19 situation. It is time to take high-intensity measures beyond the manual," adding, "For the people and even for the Shincheonji members, quick and cool-headed decisions and lightning-fast responses are necessary."

He also called for the government to take firm measures against large-scale gatherings. Lee said, "Time is life for the people. There is no more time to hesitate," and added, "The Gwanghwamun gatherings should really be restrained now. This issue does not seem to have any connection with the freedom of assembly at this point."

He further stated, "The government should clearly recognize that no Korean citizen agrees to large-scale gatherings that could threaten public life and respond strongly."

Regarding the supplementary budget, Lee said, "Self-employed people are going through agonizing times where their survival is at stake day by day. The government should prepare the supplementary budget as quickly as possible," and added, "Measures to reduce immediate burdens such as rent and interest should be actively reviewed first."

Lee also said, "As President Moon Jae-in emphasized, the key to the supplementary budget is timing. Please speed up the process even if it means reducing sleep, with the determination to pass the supplementary budget within this National Assembly session at the latest," and added, "I hope the government will stand with the citizens and residents of Daegu and Gyeongbuk with the most tangible measures."

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