Son Jeong-ui "Free Provision of 1 Million COVID-19 Tests"... Withdrawn After 2 Hours

Son Jeong-ui, Chairman of SoftBank Group, announced on Twitter on the 11th that he will support free COVID-19 testing. / Photo by Son Jeong-ui, Twitter capture

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lim Juhyung] Masayoshi Son (孫正義, Son Masayoshi), chairman of SoftBank Group, announced his intention to provide free COVID-19 testing to one million people in Japan but withdrew the offer following public criticism.

On the 11th, Son posted on his Twitter account, "I want to offer free rapid genetic testing (PCR) opportunities to those feeling anxious about COVID-19," adding, "Initially, it will be for one million people. We will prepare the application method from now on."

PCR is a test used to confirm COVID-19 infection.

However, after the tweet was posted, some netizens expressed skepticism, saying, "This will only cause confusion in medical institutions." They criticized, "If COVID-19 testing is expanded recklessly, confirmed cases will surge, creating unnecessary fear," and "If unqualified people diagnose and fake patients visit hospitals, truly critical patients might miss treatment opportunities."

Ultimately, Son withdrew the plan about two hours after posting the tweet. He said, "I thought of this because I heard many people want to be tested but cannot get tested," and added, "Since public opinion is unfavorable, I am considering stopping it."

SoftBank's public relations office also told the Japanese media outlet Yomiuri Shimbun on the same day, "This was considered as a personal activity of (Chairman Son) regarding COVID-19 testing support," and "After considering various opinions, it was withdrawn."

Meanwhile, Son, a third-generation Korean-Japanese, donated 10 billion yen (approximately 114.3 billion KRW) during the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011.

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