Na Kyung-won: "President Moon must secure good vaccines... Not the time for 'Yoon bashing'"

"Government, Ruling and Opposition Parties, and Companies Must Activate All Channels"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Former Liberty Korea Party floor leader Na Kyung-won said on the 17th, addressing President Moon Jae-in, “Now is not the time for trivial matters like ‘driving out Yoon Seok-yeol’ or ‘showroom public rental visits.’ The president is the top person responsible for rallying efforts to secure good vaccines. I hope the president faithfully fulfills his role.”

On the same day, Na said on Facebook, “We must devote all our capabilities to securing the safest vaccines,” adding, “The government, as well as both ruling and opposition parties and companies, must activate all channels to focus on vaccine procurement. I also wish to contribute even my small strength.”

Na pointed out, “As much as the damage caused by the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is concerning, so is the confusion caused by vaccine phobia,” and warned, “If vaccines whose safety and efficacy have not been clearly proven are hastily introduced and administered, and any unfortunate incidents occur, public distrust will grow uncontrollably.”

Na stated, “The Moon Jae-in administration officials have retreated to a position that vaccines can be administered regardless of approval by the U.S. FDA. Experts are aghast,” adding, “Of course, this does not mean the U.S. FDA is omnipotent. We understand the public’s high expectations for vaccines. I also believe our Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and experts are very competent. However, no one can easily dispute that introducing vaccines approved by the FDA, known worldwide for its strict standards, can reassure the public in many ways and minimize potential side effects.”

Na noted, “Pfizer obtained FDA approval on the 11th, and it is widely predicted that Moderna will soon receive approval. Meanwhile, the AstraZeneca vaccine, which the government secured in a pre-purchase contract for 10 million doses, is experiencing delays in FDA approval. There must be some reason for this. Distrust is already spreading among the public.”

Na said, “A certain medical professional media outlet reported that government officials appear not to have even considered purchasing Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. This raises doubts about the government’s initial announcement that contracts were proceeding smoothly,” adding, “It would be fortunate if AstraZeneca receives FDA approval, but if not, our citizens also have the right to receive Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. The government must do its utmost to secure the safest vaccines.”

Na warned, “Rushing could make things worse,” and added, “There are also criticisms that the government’s specific mention of March next year is driven by very impure political motives. Given the regime’s nature, such suspicions are quite plausible.”

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