Hwang Kyo-ahn: "Banning Entry of Chinese Nationals is a Sure Measure to Prevent Wuhan Pneumonia... Total Ban Needs Further Consideration"

Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the Liberty Korea Party, is attending the joint meeting of the Supreme Council members and senior lawmakers held at the National Assembly on the 29th, delivering a speech. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the Liberty Korea Party, mentioned the necessity of banning Chinese entry, which was raised on the Blue House's national petition site, calling it "the most certain method and the most certain countermeasure to prevent Wuhan pneumonia (novel coronavirus infection)."

On the 29th, right after the joint meeting of the Supreme Council and senior lawmakers at the National Assembly in the morning, Hwang told reporters, "Wuhan pneumonia, which started from China, is causing serious concern among our citizens."

However, he added, "More review is needed on whether to ban entry for all Chinese nationals," and emphasized, "A swift decision must be made."

Hwang criticized the government's delayed initial response. He said, "Deficiencies in early response are already emerging in various places," and criticized, "The negligence in managing the fourth confirmed patient has terrified the entire nation, and there are many areas the government is missing, such as group tourists from Wuhan visiting duty-free shops in downtown Seoul." He raised his voice, saying, "The Blue House is not in a position to be concerned about changing the name of Wuhan pneumonia right now."

He stated, "The government must take seriously the fact that the number of petitioners calling for a ban on Chinese entry has quickly surpassed 500,000," and criticized, "I worry that the government is more eager to suppress anti-China sentiment than to block the spread of Wuhan pneumonia. The chronic tendency to be overly cautious of China is deepening public distrust."

Hwang pointed out, "Please think only of the safety of the people. It is urgent to strengthen quarantine systems at entry, thoroughly manage suspected patients, share real-time information with the public, and reinforce quarantine at facilities densely populated by vulnerable groups such as daycare centers, kindergartens, and schools." He also emphasized, "Comprehensive support measures must be prepared to minimize the damage to self-employed businesses, tourism, and lodging industries. Measures against the massive influx of Chinese international students in March must also be established from now. The Liberty Korea Party will cooperate across party lines."