"Is That Important Now?" COVID Surge, Jeon Kwang-hoon Blames Both Parties... Citizens' Frustration Over 'Stop the Political Strife'

With 'Jeon Gwang-hoon and United Party Collusion' Full-scale Offensive
Kim Jong-in: "Stop Such Childish Politics"
Citizens: "Hope Political Circles Unite for COVID-19 Prevention"

On the afternoon of the 15th, Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church is speaking at a rally condemning the government and ruling party held in front of Donghwa Duty Free Shop in Jongno-gu, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] In the midst of the explosive surge in COVID-19 cases, a political controversy known as the 'Jeon Gwang-hoon Responsibility Debate' has erupted in the political arena. Citizens observing this are urging politicians to pause their political disputes and focus wholeheartedly on COVID-19 prevention efforts. There is a growing concern that the ongoing political strife might overshadow proper quarantine measures during this surge.

On the 18th, Kim Tae-nyeon, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, criticized at a party meeting, "Since the United Future Party had participated in past gatherings at Gwanghwamun Square, it was reasonable to anticipate their attendance this time as well and to take proactive measures to prohibit participation."

He also urged, "I call on current and former lawmakers and party members who participated to voluntarily self-quarantine and undergo diagnostic testing." This statement is interpreted as targeting former lawmakers Hong Moon-pyo, Kim Jin-tae, and Min Kyung-wook of the United Future Party.

Seol Hoon, a Supreme Council member, also stated, "The United Future Party must apologize to the public," adding, "If the United Future Party does not sincerely apologize to the people and take responsibility for neglecting this situation, it will be a serious problem."

Kim Jong-in, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the United Future Party Photo by Yonhap News

Amid criticism that the opposition party is largely responsible for the COVID-19 surge, Kim Jong-in, the emergency committee chairman of the United Future Party, said regarding the Democratic Party linking Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church with the United Future Party, "I hope they stop such childish politics."

In a phone interview with Yonhap News Agency on the same day, Chairman Kim said, "They keep making unnecessary remarks trying to politically exploit the situation," and about Pastor Jeon, he said, "He himself did not follow quarantine guidelines."

Kim Eun-hye, spokesperson for the United Future Party, expressed serious concern about Pastor Jeon in a statement, saying, "Pastor Jeon engaged in unacceptable behavior that threatened the safety of the community by not cooperating with the government's quarantine policies."

The United Future Party criticized Pastor Jeon, stating, "Especially his actions after testing positive are incomprehensible. He deserves criticism, and appropriate measures should follow for failing to act responsibly in a position of responsibility." They added, "The United Future Party has no connection with Pastor Jeon and has never collaborated with him. Trying to forcibly link us is just pitiful."

As political disputes over the so-called 'Jeon Gwang-hoon Responsibility Debate' continue, some citizens express fatigue. There are opinions urging both ruling and opposition parties to unite and focus on the urgent COVID-19 prevention efforts.

Kim, a man in his 40s working in Seoul, said, "COVID-19 is spreading nationwide, and seeing this kind of situation is somewhat exhausting for the public," adding, "Can't they fight later?"

Another office worker in his 30s said, "In this urgent situation, constantly talking about who did well or poorly makes it hard to trust the political sphere," and raised his voice, "Now is the time to unite and do our best in COVID-19 prevention."

Park, a job seeker in his 20s, pointed out, "From the perspective of people preparing for employment like me, the political conflicts are really frustrating," and added, "I hope we can end COVID-19 quickly and focus on revitalizing the economy."

Meanwhile, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters on the 19th, as of midnight, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country increased by 297 to a total of 16,058.

The number of newly released from quarantine was 72. The regions reporting the 297 new confirmed cases are Seoul 151, Gyeonggi 99, Busan 9, Incheon 8, Gangwon 6, Gwangju 6, North Gyeongsang 3, South Chungcheong 3, Daegu 2, South Jeolla 2, Sejong 2, North Chungcheong 2, and South Gyeongsang 1.

With the surge in COVID-19 cases, 'Social Distancing Level 2' will be implemented as of midnight on the 19th. This measure includes Incheon in addition to Seoul and Gyeonggi areas.

In these regions, all gatherings, meetings, and events involving 50 or more people indoors and 100 or more people outdoors are generally prohibited. Additionally, operation of 12 types of high-risk facilities such as clubs, karaoke rooms, buffets, and PC rooms, as well as indoor national and public facilities, will be suspended. Especially for churches located in the metropolitan area, only non-face-to-face worship services are allowed, and all other gatherings and activities are prohibited.

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