President Moon and Prime Minister Chung's First Weekly Meeting of the New Year: "Child Abuse Can No Longer Be Tolerated"

Moon-Ding "'Jeongin's Death Case' Raises National Outrage"
"Measures Must Be 'Enforced' on the Ground," Emphasized

President Moon Jae-in attending the expanded National Economic Advisory Council meeting on the '2021 Economic Policy Direction Report' held at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jung-gu, Seoul, on December 17 last year, together with Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] President Moon Jae-in and Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun held their first weekly meeting of the year at the Blue House on the 11th to review the response to the third wave of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and child abuse issues.

President Moon and Prime Minister Chung exchanged views on key issues such as securing vaccines and treatments, and tailored support for those affected.

Prime Minister Chung said, "Although the spread of COVID-19 appears to have entered a gradual decline due to strong social distancing measures such as special quarantine policies, we will not let our guard down to ensure a definite stabilization."

He added, "We will also make steady efforts to strengthen quarantine and management of vulnerable facilities such as nursing hospitals and correctional facilities, secure additional vaccines, introduce them in a timely manner, and prepare for vaccinations."

In response, President Moon urged, "I hope the people and the government will unite to block the spread and bring the third wave to an early end."

He continued, "Please ensure that tailored support for those facing difficulties is executed swiftly to provide relief, and improve quarantine standards such as business restrictions by industry to enhance fairness and acceptability."

In particular, President Moon and Prime Minister Chung agreed that thorough implementation of the measures prepared so far is of utmost importance in light of the recent public outrage over child abuse following the 'Jung-in death case.'

President Moon emphasized, "Despite three reports, initial separation measures were insufficient, and basic investigations were poorly conducted, which were problematic. The key to solving the issue is that the related 'measures' must be 'executed' on the ground."

Prime Minister Chung said, "First, through an organizational diagnosis of the current response system divided among the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Ministry of Education, and National Police Agency, we will clarify the roles and responsibilities of each institution," adding, "We will promote a fundamental reform of the 'child abuse management system,' including strengthening the control tower function."

He continued, "We will also provide legal support to enhance the enforcement power at the frontline by actively involving public authority and strengthening punishment for abusers through amendments to related laws such as the Child Abuse Punishment Act."

A spokesperson from the Office for Government Policy Coordination stated, "The government plans to take all possible measures to ensure that child abuse never occurs again," and added, "We will closely consult with the National Assembly and private experts as well."

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