Jung Sye-kyun Tearfully Addresses Small Business Owners' Pain: "Empathy Brings Tears"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun shed tears on the 8th as he empathized with the stories of self-employed people facing economic difficulties due to business suspension caused by the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

On the same day, attending an emergency inquiry on COVID-19 held at the National Assembly, Prime Minister Chung choked up, saying, "If you put yourself in their shoes, how hard it must be. It brings tears to my eyes."

Jaein Party lawmaker Bae Jin-kyo, who raised the question, introduced the story of a fitness center that has been closed for five weeks due to the government's assembly ban order and is bearing a monthly rent of 8 million won, pointing out, "The government should not just order closures but provide substantial support so that businesses can endure even if they have to close."

In response, Prime Minister Chung said, "From the spirit of the constitution and common sense, that is a reasonable judgment, but the government has not been able to come up with measures because there are no laws or systems in place." Then, he showed tears while saying, "How can we wipe away the tears of self-employed people who have to bear rent without being able to operate?" After regaining his composure, he continued, "It is truly a difficult matter."

Prime Minister Chung emphasized, "I have weekly meetings with the President every Monday, and even after the meetings, I raised this issue and we shared concerns together," adding, "We must ensure that such a situation never happens again, but going through this crisis should serve as an opportunity for the political circles and the government to create countermeasures together."

Regarding the proposal for 'direct rent support and exemption of loan interest and utility charges,' he explained, "Rent cannot be left solely to the landlord, nor can the tenant bear it all. It is realistic for the government, landlords, and tenants to share the pain," adding, "The increase of the third disaster relief fund from 3 trillion won to 9 trillion won was also based on the President's recognition of this situation."

On the suggestion to promptly implement such measures by invoking emergency financial authority, he drew a line, saying, "Emergency financial authority requires two conditions: an urgent situation and the inability to convene the National Assembly," and "Since these conditions are not met, we need to come up with other alternatives. It is realistic for the government and the National Assembly to cooperate, put their heads together, and devise solutions."

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Chung revealed, "Some sectors among the self-employed are experiencing better business than usual," and said, "Although it was not planned, I think the groups that have benefited as a result should play some role, but I have not come up with a good idea yet and am concerned."

He added, "Since there are no systems or legislation assuming such cases, for now, I hope these people would donate more and actively fulfill their social responsibilities," and said, "Personally, I am thinking about how nice it would be if sectors benefiting during times like this could share some of the pain, and I am pondering wise ways to do so."

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