Ruling and Opposition Clash Over COVID Frame War... Democratic Party 'Attack' vs. United Party 'Counterattack'

Lee Hae-chan "Prosecute All Who Refuse Investigation"
Kim Tae-nyeon "Opposition Must Stop Dividing Public Opinion"
Kim Jong-in "Avoid Fearmongering"
Joo Ho-young "Government Responsible for Second Wave"

Kim Tae-nyeon, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 24th and delivering an opening remark. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] The ruling and opposition parties have entered a 'frame war' over the resurgence of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). The Democratic Party of Korea is emphasizing the opposition party's responsibility by linking it to the Gwanghwamun rally, while the United Future Party is focusing on blocking the frame and launching a counterattack.

Kim Tae-nyeon, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, said at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 23rd, "The United Future Party should stop inciting division of public opinion and actively cooperate with quarantine efforts," adding, "If the United Future Party is willing to cooperate with quarantine, they should strongly recommend that participants of the Gwanghwamun rally get tested immediately." Kim criticized, "It has been nine days since the Gwanghwamun rally ended, but only 30% of participants have been tested. It is hard to understand the United Future Party's attitude if recommending testing is such a difficult task."

Lee Hae-chan, the leader of the Democratic Party, said, "COVID-19 infections that started at Sarang Jeil Church and the Gwanghwamun rally have spread nationwide beyond the metropolitan area within a week," and urged, "Worshippers and rally participants should cooperate with testing for themselves and their families. Despite guarantees of confidentiality, if they refuse testing, the government strongly warns that it will not hesitate to file charges against all and exercise its right to claim damages."

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the United Future Party, is attending the Emergency Response Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the 24th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

The United Future Party also launched a counterattack against the government and ruling party. Kim Jong-in, the emergency committee chairman of the United Future Party, said at the emergency committee meeting that day, "I cannot understand the ruling party's recent excessive politicization of the COVID-19 situation," emphasizing, "We should refrain from unnecessary political strife and focus all efforts on quarantine and treatment of confirmed cases." Kim added, "It is right that all citizens participate in COVID-19 quarantine, and it is natural to take measures against those who obstruct quarantine activities according to relevant laws. However, measures by public authority that infringe on citizens' basic rights should be taken with an attitude of seeking understanding and cooperation from the people, not by treating citizens like criminals and inciting fear, which should be avoided in a democratic country."

Joo Ho-young, the floor leader, said, "Regardless of reasons, the government is responsible for failing to prevent the second wave of the pandemic. The government bears great responsibility for creating a false perception among the public that COVID-19 would soon end by designating temporary holidays and issuing dining coupons," adding, "(The government) seems to be more focused on COVID-19 politics than on quarantine. I earnestly ask to stop political attacks and turn on the switch of will to overcome the crisis."

Recently, the United Future Party's rising approval ratings appear to have stalled amid the resurgence of COVID-19. The attendance of United Future Party figures at the Gwanghwamun rally and controversies surrounding Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church seem to have had an impact. In response, the United Future Party is seeking a breakthrough by emphasizing active cooperation in quarantine and preparing countermeasures. Chairman Kim showed swift actions by visiting the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on the 21st and forming and holding meetings of a COVID-19 countermeasure special committee.

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