"NO Japan NO Gyeongju" Support for Quarantine Supplies to Japan... Aftermath of Gyeongju Boycott

60,000 Signatures for National Petition to Dismiss Gyeongju Mayor Ju Nak-yeong
Local Government Petition to Ban Export of Quarantine Supplies Abroad
On the 17th, Gyeongju City Provided COVID-19 Quarantine Supplies to Japan
Support Suspended Amid Growing Criticism... Controversy Lasts 9 Days

Gyeongju City announced on the 21st that it sent 1,200 sets of stockpiled protective suits to Nara City, its sister city in Japan, and 1,000 protective goggles to Kyoto City, its exchange city, by air on the 17th. The photo shows Nara Mayor Nakagawa Ken holding a sign that says "Thank you" after receiving the quarantine supplies sent by Gyeongju City, Gyeongbuk. Photo by Yonhap News.

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Gyeongju City in Gyeongbuk Province is facing ongoing controversy over its support of quarantine supplies to Japan, which is struggling to respond to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Although Gyeongju City announced it would immediately halt support amid fierce criticism, public backlash has not subsided. A petition demanding the dismissal of Mayor Ju Nak-young has surpassed 60,000 signatures. Another petition has been raised requesting an administrative order to prevent local governments from exporting supplies to Japan and other countries. Netizens continue to harshly criticize the mayor of Gyeongju today (the 25th), calling him a "Tochak Waegu" (local pro-Japanese collaborator).

On the 25th, Gyeongju City completely canceled its plan to provide additional COVID-19 quarantine supplies to Japan.

This came just nine days after Gyeongju City announced on the 17th that it had sent 1,200 sets of protective suits and 1,000 protective goggles each, which had been stockpiled, to its sister city Nara City and exchange city Kyoto City in Japan via air transport.

Gyeongju City disclosed this fact through a press release on the 21st and stated that it planned to provide 500 sets of protective suits and 500 protective goggles each to other friendly Japanese cities struggling with the COVID-19 situation.

According to Gyeongju City, Nara City donated 12.9 million yen (approximately 135 million KRW) in citizen contributions to Gyeongju City in 1998 after it was damaged by Typhoon "Annie."

Also, when a magnitude 5.8 earthquake occurred in Gyeongju in September 2016, the Nara City Architectural Society sent 206,000 yen (about 2.4 million KRW) in donations. Furthermore, Gyeongju City stated that it is currently negotiating a cruise business with Kyoto City, which is a member of the federation.

The support of quarantine supplies to Japan is claimed to have been carried out under the principle of reciprocity.

Gyeongju City also released a photo of Nara Mayor Nakagawa Ken holding a sign that says "Thank you" in front of the quarantine supplies sent by Gyeongju City.

However, public opinion immediately reacted with backlash, criticizing Gyeongju City to retract this decision. Even as of the 25th, nine days after Gyeongju City sent supplies to Japan, the free bulletin board at Gyeongju City Hall is flooded with posts criticizing this action.

One citizen outright suggested, "NO Japan NO Gyeongju," calling for a boycott of Gyeongju City itself. Another citizen strongly criticized Mayor Ju Nak-young, who sent COVID-19 quarantine supplies to Japan, saying, "Isn't Mayor Ju Nak-young practically Japanese?"

Another citizen also pointed out, "Isn't the mayor of Gyeongju a 'Tochak Waegu'?"

Earlier, as the controversy grew, Mayor Ju Nak-young posted on his Facebook on the 22nd, saying, "I have been subjected to tremendous criticism and attacks overnight regarding the support," and lamented, "I feel like I've been cursed with every insult imaginable, such as 'Tochak Waegu,' 'Jjokbari' (a derogatory term for Japanese), 'Are you crazy?' and 'Typical of the United Future Party'."

Regarding the background of supporting quarantine supplies to Japan, Mayor Ju emphasized, "Helping in difficult times is what true friends and neighbors do," and added, "Who extends a hand first is not important. Now is the time for Korea and Japan to cooperate in responding to COVID-19."

Photo by Cheongwadae National Petition Board Capture

Nevertheless, despite Mayor Ju's explanation, a petition requesting his dismissal was posted on the Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae) website.

In the petition titled "I earnestly request the dismissal of Gyeongju Mayor Ju Nak-young!" posted on the 22nd, the author expressed frustration, saying, "Due to Mayor Ju Nak-young's arrogant and unilateral abnormal administration, all citizens of Gyeongju are being collectively criticized, and the boycott of the tourist city Gyeongju is spreading like wildfire."

The author continued, "They do not consider us friends," and raised their voice, "They are just a country that was once a colonial territory they ruled in the past."

As of 1:30 PM on the 25th, this petition had garnered 68,889 signatures.

Photo by Cheongwadae National Petition Board Capture

Additionally, a petition requesting an administrative order to prevent the export of supplies prepared with tax money to other countries was also posted.

In the petition titled "Please issue an administrative order to prohibit the arbitrary export of stockpiled supplies supported by local government taxes," posted on the 22nd, the petitioner pointed out, "While many countries are suffering from the epidemic, humanitarian aid to other countries is possible. However, Japan is not a government-designated support target country, nor is it a country in such dire need that we should take the initiative to help."

The petitioner further criticized, "This is not only a problem for the citizens of Gyeongju but could pose a fatal threat to the protection of the lives of all citizens and the safety of medical staff." As of 1:40 PM on the 25th, this petition had 16,609 signatures.

Photo by Gyeongju Mayor, captured from Facebook

Meanwhile, critical comments continue to be posted on Mayor Ju Nak-young's Facebook page.

One citizen said, "This is really amazing... It's pathetic to see people in Gyeongbuk being insulted because of a few," and added, "How many regulations and verifications were needed just to send a single mask to family overseas... We can't even send a single mask to employees working abroad... Seeing that it was sent secretly like this... Who is behind this?"

Another citizen left a harsh comment, "Mayor of Gyeongju, resign and go to Japan." Another also said, "I no longer want to travel to Gyeongju."

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