Lee Nak-yeon Tests Negative for COVID-19: "Apologies to the Public for Causing Concern" (Update)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Lee Nak-yeon, a candidate for the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, tested 'negative' for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

On the 19th at around 10:20 a.m., Lee posted on his Facebook, "I was informed of the COVID-19 test result from the National Medical Center just before 10:10 a.m. today. It came out negative."

He said, "It is fortunate for everyone. I thank many people who were worried about me despite my shortcomings," adding, "From now on, I will respect the recommendations of the National Medical Center and decide on external activities in consultation with the National Assembly and the party."

He also said, "I apologize for causing concern to the people."

Earlier, Lee appeared on a CBS radio interview on the morning of the 17th. Later, at around 9 p.m. on the 18th, he was informed that a CBS reporter who appeared earlier tested positive for COVID-19, so he visited a medical institution and underwent a COVID-19 test.

Although Lee did not have physical contact such as shaking hands with the confirmed case, he used the chair and microphone that the confirmed case had used. Accordingly, Lee suspended all schedules until the test results were available.

Meanwhile, this is the second time Lee has been tested for COVID-19. In February, after visiting the Jongno Senior Welfare Center in Seoul, where a confirmed case had been, he was tested and received a negative result. Last month, after attending the same seminar as Democratic Party lawmaker Oh Young-hwan, who had contact with a confirmed case, he entered self-quarantine without testing.

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