Blue House, on 'Jeon Gwang-hoon COVID-19 Confirmation': "Concern Becomes Reality... Rally Attendees Must Voluntarily Get Tested"

Cheong Wa Dae Panorama / Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporters Son Sun-hee, Kim Dong-pyo] The Blue House stated on the 18th that Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), calling it "a concern that has become reality" and saying, "It has proven that everyone who attended the August 15 Gwanghwamun rally must voluntarily get tested."

A senior Blue House official told reporters that day, "Getting tested is not only for one's own safety but also for the safety of the public. Conversely, refusing to get tested threatens public safety." He added, "There are over 450 confirmed cases related to Sarang Jeil Church," expressing concern that "what is most serious is that confirmed cases related to this church are spreading not only in Seoul but nationwide."

The official also said, "As President Moon Jae-in emphasized in his directives, this is a very serious situation and a critical juncture for quarantine efforts," warning, "The government will implement stronger quarantine measures and will strictly punish any acts that interfere with quarantine."

According to health authorities, the total number of COVID-19 confirmed cases related to Sarang Jeil Church reached 457 as of that day. Since church members are scattered nationwide, there is concern about regional spread across the country.

Meanwhile, regarding Kim Dae-ji, the nominee for Commissioner of the National Tax Service, who is facing allegations of three cases of false residence registration mainly in the so-called 'Gangnam 8 School District' area ahead of the parliamentary confirmation hearing, the official said, "This is simply an allegation raised by opposition lawmakers," and added, "I understand that the nominee himself has provided detailed explanations." False residence registration is one of the 'Seven Principles for Excluding High-Ranking Officials' presented by the Blue House.

Regarding reports that Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party responsible for foreign affairs, is expected to visit South Korea this week, raising expectations that Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to South Korea is imminent, the official said, "Both sides are coordinating schedules, and an announcement will be made once a decision is reached."

In response to criticism from opposition parties over the commemorative speech by Kim Won-woong, President of the Korea Liberation Association, at the 75th Liberation Day celebration on the 15th, the official dismissed the criticism, saying, "The speech was made in his capacity as the President of the Korea Liberation Association, not by the Blue House," and added, "The Blue House did not interfere."

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