Hong Jun-pyo "Aren't you managing the Minnochoong rally?"... Jeong Se-gyun "Only thinking about quarantine, no political purpose"

On the 25th, the full meeting of the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts is being held at the National Assembly. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] On the 25th, during the plenary session of the National Assembly's Special Committee on Budget and Accounts, claims arose that the government is responding differently to Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon, who held the August 15 rally, and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU).

Independent lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo argued in his questioning that while Pastor Jeon, who led the Taegeukgi faction's rally, is being held accountable, the government is not managing the KCTU.

He pointed out to Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, "Is it true that you said you did not know about the KCTU rally held at Bosingak in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the same day as the Gwanghwamun rally?" and asked, "Since both rallies were held in Gwanghwamun, why is the Gwanghwamun rally subject to management but the KCTU rally is not?" Lawmaker Hong also claimed, "The government is using quarantine measures for political purposes."

In response, Prime Minister Chung said, "As Prime Minister, I oversee the entire state affairs and take responsibility for the results, but how can I manage every single rally?" He added, "The Gwanghwamun rally happened in a place visible from the Prime Minister's Office, and I happened to be on duty that day, so I saw it." He further explained, "The KCTU rally was held quite far away, and I understand there was a significant difference in the number of participants."

Lawmaker Hong emphasized, "(The Gwanghwamun rally) was an expression of anger over real estate policies and economic collapse," and said, "Despite the risk of infection, people gathered. The government should perceive this differently." He also stated, "The idea of using this as an opportunity for a political turnaround is truly wrong," maintaining suspicion that it is being politically exploited.

Prime Minister Chung responded, "Including myself, the government has no political interests or political purposes at all," and said, "We are solely focused on how to succeed in quarantine measures. I swear on my character, so please believe me."

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