Yoo Leadership Officially Apologizes for 'Daegu Lockdown' Remark... Lee Hae-chan Warns Within Party, "One Word Can Cause a Hole"

Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 26th and delivering a speech. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[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 hole in the response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19)." This was a warning to the party to be cautious in their statements as the impact of the lockdown remarks grew exponentially.

Lee In-young, floor leader of the Democratic Party, also apologized, saying, "During yesterday's high-level party-government meeting, inappropriate expressions caused concern," and "Although the words were intended to emphasize infection prevention, the choice of terms was wrong." He further emphasized, "We did not fully understand the desperate feelings of the citizens of the provinces and cities," and "The government and the Democratic Party will protect the citizens of Daegu and Gyeongbuk to the end."

On the previous day, Hong Ik-pyo, chief spokesperson of the Democratic Party, said in a briefing immediately after the high-level party-government meeting at the National Assembly, "Daegu and Gyeongbuk have been designated as special infectious disease control areas, and maximum lockdown measures beyond usual containment actions will be implemented to quickly curb the spread." Although the Democratic Party clarified in a text message sent to reporters about an hour later that "entry itself is not being blocked," the controversy continued to spread.

President Moon Jae-in also made an unusual immediate clarification. At the 'COVID-19 Response Daegu Regional Special Measures Meeting' held at Daegu City Hall on the afternoon of the previous day, President Moon said, "There was an expression in the high-level party-government briefing about implementing 'maximum lockdown policy,' but I want to make it clear that this does not mean regional lockdown but rather maximum prevention of transmission and spread," adding, "I felt there might have been some misunderstanding, so I am reiterating this." Just before visiting Daegu, President Moon also instructed through Blue House spokesperson Kang Min-seok, "Make it clear that this is not a regional lockdown but a measure to maximize prevention of COVID-19 transmission and spread."

In response, Shim Jae-cheol, floor leader of the United Future Party, stated in a press release, "Not only did the government cause great hurt to Daegu citizens by using the term 'Daegu COVID,' but they also used the phrase 'Daegu lockdown,'" and pointed out, "Terms that could hurt the pride of Daegu citizens and Gyeongbuk residents should be avoided." Kim Boo-kyum, a member of the National Assembly in charge of the regional election committee for Daegu and Gyeongbuk, also wrote on Facebook, "The use of the term lockdown during the party-government meeting caused unnecessary controversy," and urged, "Please refrain from careless remarks that could be misunderstood." He also noted, "Another dagger has been plunged into the hearts of Daegu and Gyeongbuk citizens."

Meanwhile, spokesperson Hong clarified again in an additional briefing, "I want to clearly state that this is not a regional lockdown." He also appeared on MBC radio that afternoon, saying, "There seems to be some misunderstanding," and emphasized, "The quarantine authorities and medical experts generally use the terms lockdown policy and easing policy."