President Moon on 'Division' Controversy, Ko Min-jung Asks, "Is It That Hard to Accept Gratitude as It Is?"

Democratic Party lawmaker Go Min-jung is delivering a greeting at the full meeting of the Industry, Trade, Energy, Small and Medium Enterprises Committee held in the afternoon of June at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Seulgi Kim] Amid opposition parties criticizing President Moon Jae-in's encouragement message to nurses while mentioning the collective strike of doctors as 'divisive,' Go Min-jung, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, pointed out on the 3rd, "It's like reaching out a hand to a person collapsed on the street, only to be met with anger asking what the intention is."

On the same day, Go posted on her Facebook, "There is a commotion calling the president's message of gratitude to nurses divisive. I was surprised thinking, 'Oh, it can be seen that way,'" she said.

She added, "And this situation has made the hand extended by all media outlets rather awkward. Why has our society become so extreme? Is it really that difficult to simply appreciate someone's dedication and accept that gratitude at face value?" expressing her regret.

She continued, "What has made us so sensitive? Everyone is going through a difficult time."

Earlier, on the 2nd, President Moon wrote on his Facebook, "I comfort the nurses who are silently guarding the medical sites abandoned by doctors such as residents, and express my deep gratitude and respect for their dedication and hard work."

President Moon sent an encouraging message to nurses, saying, "During the recent heatwave, heartbreaking news that medical staff at outdoor screening clinics could not take off their protective suits and were collapsing touched the hearts of the people. Although they were referred to as medical staff, the public knows well that most of them were nurses."

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