Prime Minister Jeong reprimands Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries official for violating self-quarantine... "Government trust is as precious as gold"

On the 17th, at the video conference room of the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, participants including Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha listened to the remarks of Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun during the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting for COVID-19 response. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun reprimanded a Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries official for violating self-quarantine rules. The official failed to comply even after being diagnosed with COVID-19, undermining public trust in government officials.

On the 18th, Prime Minister Chung held a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters at the Government Complex Seoul and stated, "Previously, there was an unfortunate incident in the cultural and arts sector, and recently, a confirmed case from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries again violated self-quarantine rules. Dozens of confirmed cases emerged from one ministry, damaging the government's credibility."

He emphasized, "Trust is always important whether it is the central or local government, but especially at this time when we are fighting COVID-19, the government's trust is as precious as gold."

He continued, "Let the recent case of Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries officials violating self-quarantine rules serve as a mirror so that such incidents never recur anywhere in the government or local governments. All ministries must thoroughly prepare to establish public service discipline without any setbacks during the COVID-19 overcoming process."

Prime Minister Chung also said, "Recently, indicators have improved with new confirmed cases recording double digits for three consecutive days, and opinions are emerging that focus should now be on restoring daily life. However, crises come from complacency. We must remember that the unprecedented April school reopening was decided and pursued even at the cost of sacrificing children's right to learn as part of quarantine efforts."

He added, "There are just over two weeks left until the postponed school reopening, but this is by no means a long period. Under the principle that children's lives and safety must be protected above all else, I ask the Ministry of Education to prepare without any setbacks."

He further stated, "Regarding the supply of quarantine supplies, especially masks that children will use after school reopens, related ministries should pool their wisdom," he added.

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