Prime Minister Jeong: "Online School Opening, Starting a New Path... Must Challenge with a Positive Mindset"

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on the 8th, "The online school opening starting tomorrow is a completely new path that we have never walked before."

At a press conference held at the Government Complex Sejong on the same day, Prime Minister Chung said, "We should not be too scared or think negatively, but rather take on the challenge with a positive mindset that we can do well."

With concerns still lingering ahead of the nationwide middle and high schools starting online classes from the 9th, beginning with 3rd-year high school and 3rd-year middle school students, this was interpreted as an appeal for public understanding and participation for a successful school opening.

Prime Minister Chung said, "Avoiding responsibility and escaping various difficulties by continuing to close schools is not the way," adding, "Since we have experience overcoming numerous hardships in the past, let's have a positive mindset that we can also succeed with online school openings."

He continued, "If we harmonize the three elements of challenge, positivity, and sincerity well, choosing the difficult path can lead to better results."

Furthermore, he said, "There is an 'information gap,' but through remote education this time, we can overcome the information gap between teachers, students, and the public," adding, "It could be an opportunity to level up Korea's informatization, so I dared to take this step."

He also added, "We will ensure remote education is carried out well, but ultimately, we will do our best to stabilize COVID-19 as soon as possible so that children can return to school."

Regarding the response to COVID-19, Prime Minister Chung said, "When hundreds of confirmed cases were reported daily in Daegu, I think we made a truly great change, but there is still a long way to go," emphasizing, "We cannot loosen the reins until the public says 'it's okay.'"

He assessed the current situation as "a situation where we must simultaneously chase two rabbits: preventing domestic infections and minimizing inflow from overseas."

In particular, he emphasized, "Rather than unconditionally blocking borders, maintaining minimal international exchanges at a manageable level raises national prestige and protects national interests."

However, he said, "We are determined to minimize the inflow of COVID-19 from abroad by any means," adding, "To block domestic transmission, we must thoroughly inspect and crack down on academies, entertainment establishments, and places operating late at night."

Prime Minister Chung explained, "We are fighting hard against COVID-19, but we must also worry about what comes after," adding, "Due to domestic political situations, it was postponed until after the general election, but through the 'Thursday Dialogue,' we are working to reach a national consensus on the COVID-19 situation while preparing to move toward a new Korea."

The Thursday Dialogue is a cooperative governance model introduced by Prime Minister Chung to resolve social conflicts. It is a weekly meeting held every Thursday with figures from politics, labor, economy, and various sectors of society to discuss diverse current issues.

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