Blue House, "Vaccine TF Did Not Withdraw" Report Is "Not True"... Confirming Period When Kim Sang-jo Left

Kang Min-seok, Blue House spokesperson, is briefing on vice minister-level personnel at the Blue House Chunuchu-gwan Daebriefing Room on the afternoon of the 23rd. 2020.12.23
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sun-hee] On the 23rd, the Blue House denied media reports claiming that the Blue House, which is supposed to be the control tower, was excluded from the 'Vaccine Introduction Task Force (TF)' formed jointly by the public and private sectors to secure vaccines from global pharmaceutical companies. However, Policy Chief Kim Sang-jo gave an ambiguous response, stating that the timing of his withdrawal from the TF activities is still 'under verification.'

Blue House spokesperson Kang Min-seok stated in a text notice to the press corps that day, "The Pan-Government Committee for COVID-19 Therapeutics and Vaccines, launched on April 24, has been discussing and promoting vaccine development and introduction," adding, "The Blue House Senior Secretary for Social Affairs has continuously participated in the Pan-Government Committee."

The 'Pan-Government Support Group for COVID-19 Therapeutics and Vaccine Development,' launched in April, initially aimed for domestic vaccine development. However, as vaccine development became uncertain, from the end of June, the Vaccine Introduction TF was activated to pursue direct purchases from overseas pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Janssen, and Moderna.

However, with the Blue House stepping back from the TF, it became difficult for the TF, composed mainly of working-level officials, to actively engage in vaccine supply contracts, resulting in setbacks in securing vaccines.

Although the Blue House explained that the Senior Secretary for Social Affairs participated in the Pan-Government Committee, it did not confirm participation in the TF under the committee.

When asked about the timing of Kim's withdrawal from the TF, a key Blue House official said, "We will check the timing," and refrained from further comment.

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