Kim Tae-nyeon: "There is No Progressive or Conservative in Quarantine... All Members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Must Undergo Testing"

Kim Tae-nyeon, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the party strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on the 25th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Kim Tae-nyeon, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated that it is not the time for 'heated debate' over the second disaster relief fund and emphasized focusing on quarantine measures first. He also urged all members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions who participated in the 'August 15 Workers' Rally' to undergo diagnostic testing.

At the floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 25th, Floor Leader Kim said, "This is a time when even uniting national strength is not enough," adding, "Now is not the time for the political sphere to engage in heated debate over disaster relief funds. It is time to do our best in quarantine measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19)."

He stated, "The Democratic Party will focus on blocking the spread of COVID-19 for the time being," and emphasized, "We will carefully and responsibly discuss the disaster relief fund while closely monitoring the damage situation. We will also conduct thorough consultations within the party."

Regarding the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions rally held in a nearby area on the same day as Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon's August 15 Gwanghwamun rally, Floor Leader Kim said, "There is no progressive or conservative in quarantine," and added, "There have been confirmed cases at the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions rally as well. All members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions must undergo diagnostic testing." According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, one confirmed case has been reported at this rally, which the organizers estimate was attended by about 1,800 people.

Addressing the United Future Party, he said, "The United Future Party is engaging in political attacks that undermine national quarantine efforts," and added, "We repeatedly request sincere cooperation in quarantine. We will promptly push for legal amendments to impose heavier penalties on those who refuse diagnostic testing and epidemiological investigations and spread false information."

He said, "This week is a turning point for the resurgence of COVID-19," and added, "A full-scale battle is necessary. Comprehensive quarantine measures, even to an excessive degree, are needed. If we fail to stop it now, escalation to level 3 cannot be avoided."

He continued, "If level 3 is raised, gatherings and events of 10 or more people will be banned, and private meetings such as weddings, as well as various exams including recruitment tests, will be prohibited. Schools, kindergartens, and daycare centers will have to switch to remote classes or close," and urged, "We ask the public to actively comply with personal quarantine rules and join efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19."

Cho Jung-sik, chairman of the Democratic Party's Policy Committee, said, "We plan to hold the 2021 budget party-government council tomorrow," and added, "In preparation for the possibility of a prolonged COVID-19 crisis, we plan to boldly and actively allocate next year's budget." He continued, "We will allocate more than 20 trillion won for an inclusive social safety net and leading economy," and said, "We will continue an expansionary fiscal policy."

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