Opposition: "K-Quarantine Faces Limits"... Ruling Party: "Opposition Should Also Join COVID-19 Overcoming Efforts" (Summary)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Kim Hyemin, Im Chunhan, Jeon Jinyoung] As the number of new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) exceeded 1,000 for the first time ever, the ruling and opposition parties showed contrasting reactions. The People Power Party sharply criticized the government's response, citing insufficient vaccine procurement and a shortage of hospital beds, while the Democratic Party of Korea emphasized the cooperation of the public and businesses in quarantine efforts and called for bipartisan cooperation from the opposition.

Kim Jong-in, the emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party, who had refrained from criticizing the government's COVID-19 response until now, sharpened his tone on the 14th, stating, "The K-quarantine, which the government boasts about, has reached its limit."

At the emergency committee meeting that morning, Kim said, "The public is very skeptical about how to believe the government's statements regarding vaccines," adding, "Some say that vaccinations will be possible by March next year, but in reality, since vaccines have not been secured, it is natural to have doubts." This was a direct criticism of Lee Nak-yeon, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who held a press conference the day before and announced plans to start vaccinations before March.

Regarding the escalation to social distancing level 3, Kim also mentioned, "The issue of raising the level urgently may be necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19." However, he added, "Preparations must be made in advance to minimize the impact of the resulting economic and social problems."

Joo Ho-young, the floor leader, raised his voice, saying, "It has been revealed that more than 120 billion won was spent boasting and promoting the non-existent K-quarantine, but proper measures necessary to end COVID-19 were not taken. Neither vaccines nor hospital beds have been prepared at all, and 2,000 interns who should be fully deployed for COVID-19 quarantine cannot be utilized because the national examination was not conducted."

Ahn Cheol-soo, the leader of the People’s Party, also criticized at the Supreme Council meeting that day by quoting the epitaph of the world-renowned playwright Bernard Shaw, saying, "I knew I would end up like this by hesitating." He questioned, "On the 9th, just three days ago, the president who said, 'Finally, the end of the long tunnel of COVID is in sight with vaccines and treatments,' how will he explain the current situation where the gates of hell are opening? Can we be sure to receive 44 million doses of vaccines? What is the basis for that?" He urged, "The president must answer all these questions directly."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the other hand, the Democratic Party emphasized additional response measures at the party level and requested cooperation from the opposition.

Lee Nak-yeon, the leader of the Democratic Party, said at the Supreme Council meeting that day, "Please have the party’s Policy Committee discuss ways to supplement the existing quarantine system through self-diagnosis using rapid diagnostic kits," adding, "It is time to discuss a plan where anyone can easily perform a first self-test with a rapid diagnostic kit and receive additional detailed testing based on the results." He also hinted at the possibility of revising the Medical Service Act by saying, "Currently, specimen collection is difficult under the Medical Service Act, but in a crisis, extraordinary approaches beyond the basic system are necessary."

Lee emphasized, "We also ask for cooperation from public institutions, large corporations, and various associations to secure sufficient living treatment centers and hospital beds in advance. We will also consider necessary legal measures to ensure the smooth utilization of medical personnel." Along with this, he proposed to the opposition, "Let us promptly activate a special committee to overcome COVID-19."

Kim Tae-nyeon, the floor leader, said, "We are the only country in the world managing COVID-19 without lockdowns. We cannot let the achievements and pride of K-quarantine go to waste," adding, "The government and the public must return to the original mindset and engage in the quarantine all-out war with the highest level of vigilance." He also urged, "The opposition should stop political strife and join in overcoming the national crisis."

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