[Asia Economy Reporter Shinwon Yoon] Recently, Park Kwang-on, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, made remarks suggesting that he was praising South Korea by introducing an article published by the American media Time magazine, but the actual content of the article differs, causing controversy.
On the 26th, Park mentioned the Time article at the Supreme Council meeting, saying, "The rapid increase in confirmed cases in South Korea is due to excellent diagnostic capabilities, a free press environment, transparent information disclosure, and a democratic accountability system," and added, "The increase in COVID-19 confirmed cases in South Korea paradoxically means that the national system is working well."
The article was reported on the 24th (local time) by Steven Borowik, Time's Seoul correspondent, titled "How South Korea’s Coronavirus Outbreak Got so Quickly out of Control?", which literally translates to "How did South Korea get into such a quickly uncontrollable state with COVID-19?"
Looking at the content, it explains South Korea's current situation by stating, "The rapid increase in COVID-19 confirmed cases in South Korea is because the government missed the opportunity to prevent it," and "South Korean officials maintain a calm exterior, but in reality, fear is growing."
It also states, "In South Korea, hand sanitizers are placed at almost every subway station and coffee shop entrance, and almost all subway users wear masks," adding, "Fear is increasing."
It explains that COVID-19 is spreading mainly centered around Shincheonji Church of Jesus (Shincheonji) and describes the group as "eccentric," saying, "Shincheonji's peculiar customs are making it difficult to contain the COVID-19 outbreak."
Regarding President Moon Jae-in, it states, "Criticism is growing that he is not recognizing the risks posed by COVID-19," and "A petition to ban Chinese entry has reached 760,000 signatures. Some criticize President Moon for being influenced by the Chinese government and failing to protect the people."
The part Park mentioned appears at the end of the article. Quoting a professor of Korean Studies at George Mason University, it reports, "South Korea has high diagnostic capabilities, guarantees freedom of the press, and has a democratic accountability system, which led to the rapid increase in COVID-19 confirmed cases."
In response to the controversy, Park's side explained, "We conveyed Time magazine's analysis, not Park's personal claim."
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