Park Suhyun "We Also Know Moderna Plan... 70% Completion of 2nd Dose Possible by October"

Regarding the Possibility of a Summit, "If an Agreement Is Reached Even Today, What's Impossible?"

Park Su-hyun, Senior Secretary for Public Communication at the Blue House Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Park Soo-hyun, Senior Secretary for Public Communication at the Blue House, regarding vaccine supply, stated, "We are aware of Moderna's plans," and expressed confidence that even if Moderna's vaccines are not supplied, the goal of completing 70% of second doses by October, as promised by President Moon Jae-in in his Liberation Day address, can be achieved. When asked about the possibility of a summit meeting on the 19th, he responded, "If an agreement is reached, is there anything that would prevent it?"

On the 18th, Park appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' and, when asked by the host whether a definite answer had been received regarding supply volumes, he replied, "We received a promise to provide a position by this week," and answered accordingly.

South Korea has contracted with Moderna for 40 million doses to be supplied within the year, but only 6.1% of the total amount has been delivered so far, raising concerns about whether the remaining doses will be received on time.

Regarding this, Park said, "Although it is a bit early for us to inform the public, we do know Moderna's plans," adding, "However, since Moderna has already broken a promise once, we have no choice but to proceed cautiously and inform the public carefully."

Park explained the government's stance, saying, "Ultimately, Moderna has agreed to provide a clear position by this weekend rather than just a verbal promise, so we will confirm this in writing and do our best to ensure the promise is kept."

On whether the goal of 70% second-dose vaccination by October, as promised by President Moon in his Liberation Day speech, can be achieved, Park said, "The President has made this promise several times, and even amid Moderna's supply disruptions, he reaffirmed this commitment in his recent Liberation Day address," adding, "If the President makes a promise to the people under these circumstances, wouldn't his words be solemn?"

The current second-dose completion rate stands at 19.5%. Park emphasized, "Although there have been some disruptions in vaccine supply, we are steadily adhering to the vaccination plan promised to the public by the end of November," and stressed, "There is no doubt that we are achieving the goals and even exceeding them."

He also explained that even if Moderna fails to keep its promise, the vaccination goal of 70% can be met with the vaccines already secured. Park said, "The President's promise means that despite Moderna's situation, if we properly manage the vaccines we have already secured, we can sufficiently reach that goal," adding, "However, to proceed more stably and reassure the public, we are urging Moderna to fulfill its promise."

When asked whether a date has been set for a meeting between President Moon and the leaders of the ruling and opposition parties, Park said, "We understand that coordination among the parties is ongoing with tomorrow as the target, but it seems that agreement on the agenda has not yet been reached," adding, "But in politics, if an agreement is reached even today, is there anything that would prevent it from happening tomorrow?"

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