Seoyounggyo: "Jeon Gwanghoon Claims Religious Persecution and Conspiracy... No More Tolerance"

"Strict Response Required for Claims of Medical and Examination Expenses"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Seo Young-kyo, chairman of the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee and a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, criticized Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church on the 25th regarding the resurgence of COVID-19, saying, "Despite strong recommendations and warnings from the government and Seoul city, Pastor Jeon ignored quarantine guidelines and forcibly held illegal gatherings, thereby undermining the national quarantine system. Even after testing positive for COVID-19, he continues to promote conspiracy theories. Instead of reflecting on his mistakes, he irrationally defines it as 'religious persecution' and shifts the responsibility."

In a statement released that day, Representative Seo said, "No more tolerance should be shown to them," and added, "Strict measures must be taken through all applicable administrative actions and judicial means, including claims for reimbursement of infection treatment costs and contact testing fees."

He pointed out, "The spread surged mainly among Sarang Jeil Church affiliates and participants of the August 15th Gwanghwamun illegal rally," and noted, "As of the 24th, the Central Disease Control Headquarters confirmed 875 cases related to Sarang Jeil Church and 176 cases related to the Gwanghwamun rally."

He continued, "All daily activities, except for essential social and economic activities, have inevitably suffered fatal impacts," adding, "Children, parents, youth, and small business owners who cannot open their shops are crying. Really, who do you say is responsible for all this?"

Representative Seo stated, "According to a recent report, the estimated disease cost per COVID-19 patient is at least 44 million KRW," explaining, "This includes not only simple medical expenses but also costs related to epidemiological investigations and patient management, as well as losses in labor productivity. The total socioeconomic cost is already analyzed to be an enormous amount."

Seo said, "As chairman of the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee, I demand a strict response to the crimes of Pastor Jeon and those involved in the illegal gatherings through thorough police investigations," and added, "The government should also heed public opinion calling for severe punishment related to the COVID-19 spread and enforce strong measures against them."

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