청 "Transferred to Harmful No. 2 due to occurrence of fever cases" (Comprehensive)

Blue House expresses regret over media criticism of 6.25 70th anniversary event... "The government has been sincere from the process of repatriating remains"

[Asia Economy Reporters Ryu Jeong-min and Son Seon-hee] The Blue House explained that the transfer of the remains of 147 individuals from Air Refueling Aircraft No. 1 to No. 2 during the 70th anniversary event of the Korean War was due to the occurrence of a fever case. It also expressed regret over the critical views from the media referring to the event as a "video show."

On the afternoon of the 1st, Blue House spokesperson Kang Min-seok met with reporters and said, "The government tried to provide all possible honors for the transport of the remains of 147 heroes who returned to their homeland at Seongnam Airport after 70 years of a long journey. This was done with gratitude and respect for their dedication." He criticized, "The very idea of calling it a mere prop by some media is truly astonishing."

Spokesperson Kang pointed out, "The government meticulously prepared the event to maximize the honors for the heroes, yet it was mocked as a video show."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Spokesperson Kang stated, "The claim that the remains were repeatedly taken out and put back for show or moved here and there is factually incorrect. The remains spent the first night (on the 24th) on Aircraft No. 1 and were moved only once on the 25th to Aircraft No. 2, which was at the event venue. They spent their first night on the aircraft that brought them home."

Spokesperson Kang clarified, "Regarding why the remains were moved on the day of the event, it has absolutely nothing to do with the media facade (video projection) issue." He emphasized, "There is only one reason: COVID-19 prevention measures." This indicates that the event was prepared with a focus on responding to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) issue.

Spokesperson Kang explained, "Upon the aircraft's arrival, all 46 crew members were immediately quarantined and tested. After disinfecting the people first, the remains remained inside the aircraft while the first disinfection was conducted. On the morning of the event day, the 25th, a second disinfection was performed inside the aircraft at 8 a.m." He added, "During this process, one person was found to have a fever."

He continued, "After the second disinfection, the remains were taken out of Aircraft No. 1 for X-ray inspection. The remains had to be taken out of Aircraft No. 1 for the X-ray inspection, but a fever case was detected on Aircraft No. 1. From the planning stage of the event, strong measures were established based on the premise that a COVID-19 positive case could occur. That is why Aircraft No. 2 was prepared in advance."

Spokesperson Kang said, "The government devoted utmost sincerity from the process of repatriating the remains. The Air Force personally went to the United States to bring the remains onboard the aircraft seats and brought them back to the homeland." He added, "(At Seongnam Airport) a gun salute was fired, not a volley of shots. This was an honor befitting a head of state. Yet, some claim it was just a prop. Please allow the remains of the 147 heroes, who returned home after a long journey due to the saddest war, to rest in peace."

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