Lee Nak-yeon "Hope People Refrain from Large-scale Chuseok Travel... COVID-19 Risk May Increase"

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun (left), Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Kim Sang-jo, Chief of Policy Office at the Blue House, are having a conversation at the high-level party-government meeting held on the 6th at the Prime Minister's official residence in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporters Kim Hyemin and Jeon Jinyoung] Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said on the 6th, "There may be various circumstances and thoughts, but I hope this Chuseok will be one where people refrain from traveling."

During his opening remarks at the high-level party-government meeting held at the Prime Minister's official residence in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Lee stated, "If there is a large-scale movement during Chuseok, the COVID-19 situation could become more dangerous."

Lee added, "Some people use terms like 'home-staying' or 'room-staying' Chuseok, but I cannot go that far in saying that. I hope we can get through Chuseok well and work together to quickly bring COVID-19 under control."

Regarding the 4th supplementary budget, he explained, "The distinctive feature is that the entire amount must be covered by national bonds," adding, "Since the COVID-19 situation is very fluid, we are trying to prescribe measures accordingly, and therefore there is increased pressure to use borrowed money very wisely and efficiently."

Lee said, "After several rounds of practical consultations, we decided to help the more vulnerable citizens," and continued, "There were differing opinions on the support methods, but once the party, government, and administration reach a conclusion after reviewing them, we must explain the reasons and inevitability to the public. It is especially important to give the public confidence that no one will suffer unfair disadvantages."

He went on to say, "I hope the execution of the supplementary budget will begin before Chuseok," adding, "The government will expedite the preparation and submission of the supplementary budget, and the National Assembly will strive to expedite its approval."

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