Kim Jong-in "COVID-19, Conduct Comprehensive Testing Focused on High-Risk Areas"

Kim Jong-in, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, is attending the Emergency Response Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the 23rd and delivering an opening remark. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporters Lee Ji-eun and Lim Chun-han] Kim Jong-in, Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, proposed a comprehensive survey focused on high-risk areas in relation to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). He also suggested the necessity of including the third disaster relief fund in the main budget due to the spread of COVID-19.

Chairman Kim said in his opening remarks at the Emergency Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 23rd, "I think the fundamental cause of the recent third wave of COVID-19 transmission lies in the government's failure in quarantine measures."

He added, "So far, the government has made great efforts to seek political propaganda effects regarding quarantine. Recently, there is a strong impression that COVID-19 quarantine is being used too politically," and said, "I propose conducting a comprehensive survey centered on high-risk (areas) even now, and especially since the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (Minnocho) has announced a general strike on the 25th and plans to hold simultaneous rallies nationwide, strong quarantine measures for public safety are necessary."

Regarding the third disaster relief fund to overcome COVID-19, he said, "The issue of the third disaster relief fund is already being raised," and pointed out, "The main budget for next year is scheduled to be passed on the 2nd, but it seems that measures for next year's disaster relief fund or various derivative effects are not included in the main budget."

He said, "If the budget is passed in December and the issue of supplementary budget (additional budget) is raised again in January in an unsightly manner, it will be a problem for the government's credibility," and added, "It is necessary to resolve the budgetary issues related to the disaster relief fund that may arise next year before the main budget is passed."

He also criticized the government's real estate policy. Chairman Kim said, "The government should refrain from policy measures that further disappoint the public," and pointed out, "The public is already frustrated due to the soaring real estate prices, and responsible policy makers should also refrain from causing distress to the public by making unnecessary remarks."

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