Minister Kang Kyung-wha: "We Must Balance Privacy Protection and Public Safety"… Appearance on German Public Broadcaster

Itaewon Club Group Infection Outbreak, Contact Tracing System Activated... No Business Closures Expected
Contrary to LGBTQ+ Discrimination and Human Rights... Hope to Address Prejudice and Discrimination

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] "We must balance protecting patients' privacy with protecting the public from danger."

On the 13th (local time), during an interview with Germany's public broadcaster Deutsche Welle, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha emphasized this in response to the host's question about whether South Korea's COVID-19 tracking system infringes on privacy, saying, "Privacy is an important human right but not an absolute right."

Previously, some media outlets in Germany, France, and other countries have pointed out privacy invasion issues related to South Korea's COVID-19 patient tracking system. Minister Kang explained, "Privacy should be restricted within the framework of the law, and South Korea has a strong legal system in place for this."

Regarding the second cluster infection centered around Itaewon nightclubs, she expressed regret and stated that the quarantine system is being operated. She also emphasized that to return to the pre-COVID-19 era, people must live with risks and prepare for a resurgence.

Minister Kang said, "We have been cautious about the possibility of a second wave," adding, "COVID-19 spreads rapidly and can be transmitted to asymptomatic patients, so we are fully operating the system to trace contacts."

She continued, "We mobilized administrative power to temporarily close entertainment establishments," adding, "This does not mean all businesses were closed, nor will it."

Regarding concerns that sexual minorities might be facing discrimination amid the COVID-19 resurgence, she responded that it goes against the value of human rights and expressed hope that this experience will help eliminate prejudice and discrimination.

Minister Kang stated, "Discrimination in a democracy violates the fundamental value of human rights and is not tolerated," adding, "We are facing challenges and are careful not to let prejudice worsen. We expect to eliminate prejudice and discrimination against sexual minorities through this experience."

Regarding the health status of North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un, about whom rumors of death had been raised, she replied, "Our intelligence capabilities are very solid, and we are analyzing a lot of information in cooperation with our ally, the United States," adding, "There are no unusual developments." In response to criticism that human rights issues might be sacrificed for dialogue with North Korea, she said, "It is important to find peaceful solutions related to nuclear and missile issues and establish a permanent peace regime on the Korean Peninsula," emphasizing that human rights are very important in North Korea policy and that South Korea supports the UN's international efforts.

Meanwhile, Minister Kang stressed the importance of global cooperation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, saying, "Viruses do not stop at borders. Viruses enter even if borders are closed."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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