Lee, "Disappointed with Government Measures" Business Hours Extended from 10 PM to 12 AM Only for Third Dose Vaccinated

On the 18th, after a field campaign in Mokpo, emphasized the need to adjust current social distancing measures on Facebook

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, described the government's easing of business hours for small business owners and self-employed workers, adjusted to 9 PM to 10 PM, as "regrettable." He also urged the government to raise the allowed business hours to midnight for those who have received the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 18th, Lee posted on Facebook under the title "Expressing Regret over Government Measures," stating this position.

Lee said, "The government has decided to partially adjust social distancing measures by extending business hour restrictions from 9 PM to 10 PM," adding, "While I understand the government's difficulties, this is far from enough to alleviate the pain of small business owners and the self-employed, so it remains regrettable."

He continued, "I once again request the government to reconsider raising the business hours to 24:00 (midnight) for those who have received the third vaccine dose."

Lee emphasized, "Under the condition that Omicron, which has high transmissibility but low fatality rate, has become the dominant strain, quarantine measures must also change smartly," and added, "I will ease business hour restrictions to midnight for third-dose recipients and provide emergency support of 50 trillion won even through emergency financial orders if necessary."

During a campaign rally at Mokpo Peace Square on the same day, Lee said, "COVID-19 now is not the same as it was two years ago," and added, "Quarantine measures should change flexibly and smartly, not by the initial method of complete lockdown." He raised his voice toward supporters gathered on site, saying, "It makes no sense that it's okay to gather like this, but if more than six people meet in a restaurant after 10 PM, it's not allowed," and asked, "If they have received the third dose, wouldn't it be fine to allow business hours until midnight?"

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