[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] Amid controversy over Minister of Health and Welfare Park Neung-hoo's remarks related to COVID-19, the Federation of Korean Associations in China issued a statement urging Minister Park to apologize.
In the statement released on the 28th, it said, "We strongly urge an apology to the Korean residents in China who have been hurt in their pride and feelings by Minister Park Neung-hoo's remarks at the National Assembly Judiciary Committee on the 26th, stating that 'the biggest cause of the COVID-19 spread is Koreans who came from China.'"
The statement pointed out that "Minister Park's remarks caused great disappointment and helplessness among the Korean residents who are striving to overcome the COVID-19 crisis with one heart," and called it "a serious mistake that legitimizes the quarantine control measures imposed by Chinese authorities on our residents returning to their homes."
It further stated, "As the head of the responsible ministry, Minister Park is advised to reconsider whether his choice of words and expressions were appropriate, apologize to the Korean residents in China and the public who were hurt by these remarks, and ensure that such mistakes are never repeated."
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