President Moon: "Korea is the only country without hoarding... Thanks to the people"

[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sun-hee] President Moon Jae-in expressed gratitude toward the Korean people for their mature response, unlike overseas countries where panic buying occurred amid the COVID-19 pandemic, saying, "A country without panic buying, this is thanks to the people."

According to a key Blue House official on the 22nd, President Moon recently told his close aides, "I am grateful to the people," and made such remarks. He also urged, "The government must provide reassurance so that the people can feel at ease."

In overseas countries where COVID-19 has recently spread, panic buying of various daily necessities such as toilet paper has occurred. In contrast, except for masks, which faced supply issues domestically, such phenomena have not appeared for other items, earning Korea high praise abroad as "the only country without panic buying."

Furthermore, President Moon's remarks seem to reflect the judgment that the people trust the government's response to COVID-19.

Meanwhile, on the same day, President Moon wrote on Facebook under the title "Together, Let's Move Forward," stating, "Our fight against the virus is like a giant three-legged race," adding, "It is no use if I alone am not sick, and it is no use if I alone live well." He likened the current situation to the "two-person three-legged race" often seen at spring picnics or sports days.

President Moon expressed gratitude, saying, "Although we are practicing 'social distancing' now, the distance in our hearts is closer than ever," and "I am always respectful of our people's high civic consciousness that shines in times of crisis by sharing masks, volunteering, sending supplies and donations, and exchanging warm words to protect each other." He added, "The world is also admiring the exceptional spirit of our people."

He expressed concern, saying, "Although the number of new confirmed cases is greatly decreasing and the number of recoveries is increasing faster, daily inconveniences such as shopping, using public transportation, caregiving burdens, and restrictions on leisure activities continue in the fight against the virus, causing economic activities to shrink significantly."

He encouraged, saying, "Overcoming those inconveniences and anxieties is also 'together,'" and "Everyone is having a hard time, but we are not alone. We have the capacity to unite more firmly as challenges grow stronger."

He also emphasized, "The government will always take the lead," and "Let's overcome this together and move forward together. As always, we can do it."

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