Prime Minister Jeong: "Even if imperfect, it is right to start studies promptly"

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on the 2nd, "The government believes that it is right to start academic activities as soon as possible, even if they are imperfect."

On the same day, Prime Minister Chung presided over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting on COVID-19 held at the Government Seoul Office and stated, "We are a country that operated schools by setting up tent classrooms even during the Korean War. The incredible growth and prosperity of the Republic of Korea today is based on such passion for education."

Prime Minister Chung said, "Online school openings are just a week away, and there will be many shortcomings," adding, "Teachers may not have enough time to prepare lesson content, and some schools may struggle to provide devices to students."

He continued, "Even after school starts, there is a high possibility of various confusions until the stabilization phase," and added, "We understand well that the burden on schools and teachers is great, and the worries of parents are considerable."

Prime Minister Chung pointed out, "It might be easier to extend school closures indefinitely for now," but "that would sacrifice children's right to learn and might even mean giving up on our future."

He also emphasized, "The government will do its best to prepare for remote classes and will not spare necessary support," and "If problems arise, we will strive to immediately fix and supplement them."

He then requested, "We ask the public to understand that this decision was made after much deliberation and to cooperate with a broad mind."

Prime Minister Chung also said, "With in-person school openings difficult for the time being, we are considering how long to maintain strong social distancing."

He added, "We cannot postpone returning to daily life indefinitely, and we are well aware of the considerable fatigue felt by the public," but "given the unprecedented rapid global spread and ongoing imported cases and cluster infections, easing social distancing carries the risk of reigniting infections."

Prime Minister Chung concluded, "We will gather opinions and hold discussions within the government as soon as possible and inform the public about how we will continue social distancing."

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