Official Apology from Ruling Party Leadership for 'Daegu Lockdown' Remarks... "Poor Choice of Words"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] The leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea officially apologized for the remarks about the 'Daegu-Gyeongbuk lockdown policy.'

Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party, said at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 26th, "This week is the most critical period," adding, "We must keep in mind that a single slip of the tongue could create a gap in the response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19)."

Lee In-young, floor leader of the Democratic Party, also apologized, saying, "During yesterday's high-level party-government meeting, inappropriate expressions were used, causing concern," and "Although the words were meant to emphasize infection prevention, the choice of terms was wrong." He further emphasized, "We failed to fully understand the desperate feelings of the residents of the provinces and cities," and "The government and the Democratic Party will protect the citizens of Daegu and Gyeongbuk until the end."

This official apology from the Democratic Party leadership came in response to a briefing by Hong Ik-pyo, the party's chief spokesperson, the previous day.

Spokesperson Hong said in a briefing immediately after the high-level party-government meeting held at the National Assembly the previous day, "It was decided to designate Daegu and Gyeongbuk as special management areas for infectious diseases and to implement the maximum lockdown measures beyond the usual containment measures to quickly block the spread." Although the Democratic Party clarified in a text message sent to reporters about an hour later that "it is not about completely blocking entry," the controversy spread.

Kim Boo-kyum, a member of the National Assembly in charge of the regional election countermeasures committee for the Daegu-Gyeongbuk area, posted on Facebook, "The term 'lockdown' was used in the party-government meeting, causing unnecessary controversy," and urged, "Please refrain from careless language and behavior that could be misunderstood." He also pointed out, "Another dagger has been plunged into the hearts of the citizens of Daegu and Gyeongbuk."

Shim Jae-cheol, floor leader of the United Future Party, criticized in a statement, "Not only did the government cause great hurt to the citizens of Daegu by using the term 'Daegu COVID,' but it also used the phrase 'Daegu lockdown,'" adding, "Terms that could hurt the pride of the citizens of Daegu and the residents of Gyeongbuk should be avoided."