"Which Country's President?" Hong Ik-pyo's 'Daegu·Gyeongbuk Lockdown' Remark Sparks Controversy

Hong Ik-pyo's 'Daegu·Gyeongbuk Lockdown' Remarks Fallout
Democratic Party Provides Additional Explanation... President Moon Also Steps In to Clarify
Criticism from Both Opposition and Ruling Parties
"Daegu·Gyeongbuk Residents Felt Deeply Hurt"

President Moon Jae-in is attending a meeting with local market vendors and small business owners at Dongdaegu Station in Daegu on the 25th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] The Blue House, the government, and the Democratic Party of Korea announced on the 25th that as a measure against the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), "Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions will be designated as special management areas and the strictest lockdown policy beyond usual containment measures will be implemented," but this announcement sparked a fierce backlash.

Although President Moon Jae-in personally stepped in twice to clarify that "this is not a regional lockdown," criticism has been pouring in questioning why citizens are being locked down while Chinese entry bans are not being enforced, causing the negative public opinion to spread rapidly.

On the morning of the same day, immediately after a high-level party-government-Blue House (黨政靑) meeting, Hong Ik-pyo, the senior spokesperson of the Democratic Party, stated in a briefing that "the strictest lockdown measures will be implemented in Daegu and Gyeongbuk."

When asked by reporters about the meaning of "the strictest lockdown beyond usual containment measures," Spokesperson Hong explained, "The government is considering lockdown measures, and is reviewing the use of administrative power to some extent regarding movement and other aspects," adding, "Once the detailed contents are approved at the Cabinet meeting, the government will announce them."

However, this statement was interpreted as blocking entry and exit to the affected areas, escalating into controversy over the "Daegu and Gyeongbuk lockdown."

The Democratic Party issued a notice clarifying that "this is not a regional lockdown," but concerns about a regional lockdown spread uncontrollably.

President Moon visited Daegu City Hall and personally stated, "In this morning's briefing after the high-level party-government council, the phrase 'implementing the strictest lockdown policy' was used, but it does not mean a regional lockdown; it means 'maximally blocking transmission and spread.' I want to make this clear," adding, "I felt there was room for misunderstanding, so I am clarifying once again."

On the afternoon of the 24th, medical staff were coming and going at the COVID-19 screening clinic at Seonam Hospital in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul.

As the COVID-19 crisis level was raised to the highest stage, "Severe," Seoul City designated Seonam Hospital and Seoul Medical Center as "Infectious Disease Control Institutions" and secured 413 beds by transferring inpatients to other hospitals. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Although President Moon personally tried to calm the situation, public sentiment in Daegu and other areas remained cold. A man in his late 30s, identified as Mr. A, who lives and works in Daegu, expressed frustration, saying, "It feels like the government is not preparing COVID-19 measures but rather fueling confusion," and added, "I hope they provide clear and precise response methods."

Netizens also continued their outcry. One netizen said, "The entry ban on arrivals from China is still not being enforced, yet the word 'lockdown' was used too quickly regarding Daegu and Gyeongbuk," expressing, "I can't help but feel disappointed."

The political circles also unanimously criticized the statement as problematic. Kim Boo-kyum, a Democratic Party lawmaker representing Daegu, wrote on his Facebook on the same day, "The announcement of the Daegu and Gyeongbuk lockdown policy has pierced another dagger into the hearts of residents," and added, "I am deeply saddened by why such inconsiderate remarks continue."

Kim Hyun-kwon, a Democratic Party lawmaker (proportional representation) running for Gumi-eul in Gyeongbuk in the general election, said, "Even if it could be expressed as containment measures, why use the term 'lockdown,' which causes rejection?" and added, "There is strong resistance in the region."

The United Future Party continued its harsh criticism. The party said, "The Moon Jae-in government is truly a 'wicked regime' that keeps the doors wide open to China but locks down its own citizens."

Party leader Hwang Kyo-ahn said, "Why on earth is the entry ban on Chinese nationals not being implemented?" and asked, "How can we overcome this domestically if we cannot block infection sources coming from outside?"

Floor leader Shim Jae-chul also said, "Are you saying you will block Daegu just like Wuhan was locked down?" and added, "The government not only hurt Daegu citizens deeply by using the term 'Daegu COVID,' but now even uses the term 'Daegu lockdown.'"