Major presidential candidates court self-employed voters... "Need to revise social distancing measures"

Former Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong Holds 'With Corona Transition Declaration' Press Conference on 31st
Former Board of Audit Chairman Choi Jae-hyung Joins '#PumasiChallenge'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Geum Bo-ryeong] Presidential candidates from the People Power Party are united in calling for a revision of the COVID-19 social distancing measures, focusing on winning the support of small business owners and self-employed citizens.

On the morning of the 31st, former Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong held a special press conference at the National Assembly to announce the transition to "with (With) COVID-19," stating, "Innocent self-employed people and small business owners are being devastated by the government's enforced COVID-19 quarantine measures," and added, "The current social distancing measures are neither scientific nor effective." Representatives from the Self-Employed Solidarity and the National Hof Association also attended the press conference.

Former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung rushed to Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul the previous day to participate in the '#PumasiChallenge' hosted by the Self-Employed Solidarity and the National Self-Employed Association. He delivered a message of encouragement to those struggling due to COVID-19.

People Power Party presidential candidates argue that the current social distancing measures must be changed. In particular, there is strong support for abolishing the 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. rules, the 2-person and 4-person rules, and the cohabiting family rule under the Level 4 social distancing in the metropolitan area. Under Level 4 in the metropolitan area, only two people can meet after 6 p.m., and in restaurants and cafes, vaccination incentives allow gatherings of up to four people, including two fully vaccinated individuals. Operating hours for restaurants and cafes have been reduced by one hour, from 10 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Their voices are interpreted as an attempt to criticize the current government by highlighting the situation of self-employed and small business owners who have been most severely affected by COVID-19 quarantine policies. Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl said at a meeting with the Self-Employed Emergency Committee, "If we fail to respond promptly to the crisis signals from self-employed people, I believe the country's economy will be shaken from its foundation."

Former Governor Won said, "For certain industries with significantly high infection risks, let's change the policy to allow entry only to vaccinated individuals," and added, "For places excluded from a full repeal, compensation should cover the entire loss corresponding to the restrictions, not just a portion of it."

Former lawmakers Yoo Seung-min and Hong Joon-pyo have also consistently emphasized a with-COVID system that balances COVID-19 and economic activities. Hong called for "economic normalization through a with-COVID declaration," while Yoo walked through the Hongdae area, shaking hands with small business owners. Reporter Geum Bo-ryeong gold@

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