Prime Minister Kim: "K-Quarantine Deserves 'Successful' Evaluation... Political Strife Should Not Intervene"

Presiding over the Final Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Meeting for COVID-19 under the Moon Jae-in Administration

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum poses for the 'Thanks Challenge' while presiding over the final Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting for the Moon Jae-in administration's COVID-19 response at the Government Seoul Office on May 6, 2022. Photo by Yonhap News.

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Son Seon-hee] Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum said on the 6th, "There are criticisms that our return to normal life was delayed compared to other countries, but objectively speaking, our quarantine measures should be rightfully evaluated as successful," adding, "Since quarantine is directly related to the lives and safety of the people, there must be no room for political strife to interfere."

On the same day, Prime Minister Kim presided over the final Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting of the Moon Jae-in administration at the Government Seoul Office and said, "In a few days, the heavy responsibility of quarantine will be handed over to the new government," and added, "Since we have reviewed and deliberated on the direction of quarantine policies together during the government transition process, I believe the next government will also respond well."

Prime Minister Kim said, "Although we must never be complacent until the crisis is completely over, we should also be cautious not to disparage the achievements of quarantine that the entire nation has accomplished by enduring pain and inconvenience with one heart without any basis."

However, Prime Minister Kim expressed concern, saying, "The fight against COVID-19 is not over yet," and "Many experts repeatedly warn about the possibility of new variants emerging and the possibility of resurgence due to seasonal factors." He continued, "We must heed these warnings from experts," emphasizing again, "From the experience of the past two and a half years, we deeply feel that we must never take these expert warnings lightly."

He then urged, "I ask public officials to maintain their focus and make special efforts so that the people can live with peace of mind by steadily continuing the daily life that was hard-won."

Kim Boo-kyum, who took office as Prime Minister in May last year during the height of the COVID-19 crisis and led quarantine efforts as the head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters for one full year, expressed gratitude in his final remarks, saying, "We have come this far united with President Moon, former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, all public officials, and the people," and added, "I thank you once again for your dedication and cooperation." He also extended condolences to COVID-19 victims, vaccine injury sufferers, and small business owners and self-employed individuals who have suffered due to prolonged quarantine measures.

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