Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun visited a cafe in the famous street of Sinchon, Seoul, on the 13th to listen to the difficulties caused by the economic downturn due to the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus infection) / Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lim Juhyung] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun met with small business owners struggling due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and sparked controversy by saying, "Since there are fewer customers these days, it must be more comfortable," prompting the owner of the store to clarify the situation through social networking services (SNS).
Mr. Oh, who runs a restaurant in Sinchon, posted a lengthy message on his Facebook on the 14th, stating, "The facts in the article related to (Prime Minister Chung's remarks) have been distorted, causing the public to misunderstand," and added, "The person Prime Minister Chung was referring to was not me but the employee 'Ms. Lee.'"
He further explained, "I had informed the Prime Minister in advance that there were employees in the store, and (the Prime Minister) was aware of the situation when he asked Ms. Lee about the customer situation after COVID-19."
He continued, "The Prime Minister, already knowing that she was an employee, made a joking remark, saying, 'Since there are fewer customers, it must be comfortable.' Ms. Lee replied, 'Even though there are fewer customers, the employees are not comfortable; our hearts are uneasy,' and the Prime Minister encouraged her by saying, 'Since there are no customers now, work comfortably, and when there are more customers, help the owner and work hard,'" he added.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun (center) is attending the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting on expanded COVID-19 response at the Government Complex Sejong in Sejong City on the morning of the 14th. / Photo by Yonhap News
Mr. Oh expressed his feelings, saying, "Both I and my employees felt good after receiving encouragement," and "We are embarrassed that our store and the Prime Minister have suddenly become the subject of controversy."
Earlier, on the 13th, Prime Minister Chung visited the famous street in Sinchon, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, to listen to difficulties caused by the sharp decline in foot traffic. On that day, the Prime Minister encouraged an employee at a restaurant, saying, "These days, since there are fewer customers, it must be a bit more comfortable."
Some criticized the Prime Minister's remarks, saying, "Isn't this mocking the suffering of ordinary people?"
Park Yong-chan, spokesperson for the Liberty Korea Party, criticized on the 14th through a statement, saying, "Is it possible to be this ignorant of the livelihood field and the public sentiment? The Prime Minister's remarks that dig into the suffering of ordinary people are causing controversy. The reaction is beyond disappointment; it is truly shocking."
As the controversy spread, Prime Minister Chung clarified on his Facebook, saying, "I am addressing the accurate facts because some citizens were upset by my remarks that were distorted," and "The natural conversation was partially edited and delivered, causing misunderstandings."
He added, "I apologize for causing concern to the citizens who are going through difficulties."
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