People Power Party: "Government Should Not Block Moderna Vaccinations for Koreans in USFK"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The People Power Party criticized reports that the government is blocking Moderna vaccinations for Koreans within the U.S. Forces Korea, stating that "the right to receive a vaccine is an individual's right, not a matter of national sovereignty," and that vaccinations should not be obstructed.

Kim Jae-sik, deputy spokesperson for the People Power Party, said in a statement on the 30th, "While it may be possible to regulate those who import or supply vaccines, it is unconstitutional for the government to block an individual's freedom to get vaccinated," emphasizing this point.

He questioned, "Is there any case worldwide where a government has blocked individuals from receiving their desired vaccines at U.S. military bases citing sovereignty? If all U.S. Forces Korea personnel are vaccinated but only Korean nationals on base are not, can normal operations be maintained?"

Deputy spokesperson Kim pointed out, "If emergency use authorization is the issue, shouldn't the government immediately grant emergency approval so that even one more citizen who wants the vaccine can get vaccinated sooner? Setting aside the government's failure to secure vaccines in time, it should not block citizens who want to get vaccinated."

He criticized, "These vaccines have already been approved and are being administered worldwide, including by the U.S. FDA. If there were safety concerns, how should we explain the president's efforts to quickly introduce the vaccine through phone calls with Moderna?"

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