Sim Sang-jung: "Hwang Kyo-ahn's Remarks Supporting Shincheonji... What Matters Now?"

Sim Sang-jung, Leader of the Justice Party Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Shinwon Yoon] Sim Sang-jung, leader of the Justice Party, criticized Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the United Future Party, for saying that 'responsibility should not be shifted to a specific religious group' in relation to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

On the 25th, Sim said in a written briefing, "Leader Hwang made remarks that seemed to defend the Shincheonji group," and pointed out, "As the leader of the main opposition party, this is a very irresponsible statement."

She continued, "At a time when urgent measures to prevent nationwide spread are important, I cannot help but ask Leader Hwang, what is really important now?"

She also emphasized the importance of quickly identifying Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (Shincheonji) members who attended worship services and conducting thorough testing to prevent a second Daegu-Gyeongbuk outbreak and block nationwide infection.

Sim said, "This is necessary even for the Shincheonji members themselves," and pointed out, "A responsible politician should have urged the church to take responsibility and cooperate, and then encouraged the authorities to respond more actively."

She added, "The virus is spreading nationwide and even the National Assembly has come to a halt, increasing public concern," and requested, "Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, who has gone down to Daegu to oversee the COVID-19 response, should mobilize all capabilities of the central and local governments to fully defend the Daegu-Gyeongbuk region."

Earlier, after the Supreme Council meeting on the 24th, when asked about party-level measures regarding the increasing number of confirmed COVID-19 cases centered on Shincheonji members, Leader Hwang responded, "Rather than measures targeting a specific group, since this has become a nationwide issue, we should not shift responsibility onto others," and said, "We ourselves must take responsibility. It is inappropriate to talk about a specific religious group."