Lee Nak-yeon "Need to Increase Fairness in Mask Production and Distribution... Priority Supply Needed for TK"

Lee Nak-yeon, Standing Election Committee Chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea, is delivering a speech at the COVID-19 Response Party-Government-Cheongwadae Meeting held at the National Assembly on the 4th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporters Kang Nahum and Jeon Jinyoung] Former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon, chairman of the Democratic Party's COVID-19 Disaster Countermeasure Safety Committee, emphasized on the 4th that fairness in the production and distribution of masks must be increased amid the mask shortage crisis. He also called for priority supply to the Daegu-Gyeongbuk region and vulnerable groups.

At the 1st COVID-19 Response Party-Government-Civil Society meeting held in the Democratic Party leader's conference room at the National Assembly that day, former Prime Minister Lee stated, "We must respond to masks with much greater urgency."

He said, "We must maximize mask production," adding, "Still, since supply is insufficient, we need to enhance fairness in distribution." He continued, "We must eliminate the queues for buying masks," and stressed, "On that basis, we must seek the public's understanding and cooperation to reduce demand."

Former Prime Minister Lee also said, "Even if fairness in distribution is increased, it is necessary to explain to the public and seek understanding that priority supply is needed for medical personnel, vulnerable groups, and the Daegu-Gyeongbuk area."

Regarding his earlier request to provide facilities owned by the Shincheonji Church as residential treatment centers for asymptomatic and mild patients affiliated with Shincheonji, he said, "It is unclear how this issue is progressing, and the list submitted by Shincheonji is still inaccurate," adding, "There are reportedly hundreds of believers who cannot be contacted. I urge Shincheonji's cooperation and the authorities' decisive action."

Former Prime Minister Lee also asked for political cooperation in responding to COVID-19. He said, "The National Assembly should refrain from political strife and operate the COVID-19 special committee as effectively as possible to alleviate the public's concerns," and added, "I hope the supplementary budget bill will be thoroughly reviewed and promptly processed."

He emphasized to the media, "I hope you will make greater efforts to deliver accurate medical information."

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