"Apologize, Park Neung-hoo" Controversy over 'Koreans as Cause of COVID-19 Spread' Remarks... Korean Residents in China Demand Apology (Summary)

"Apologize to the Hurt Korean Residents in Jaejung and the People"

Minister of Health and Welfare Park Neung-hoo is responding to questions from lawmakers at the plenary session of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee held at the National Assembly on the 26th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Korean residents living in China have officially demanded an apology from Park Neung-hoo, Minister of Health and Welfare, who stated that the main cause of the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) was "Koreans who came from China."

On the 28th, the Korean Association in China issued a statement urging an apology, saying that Minister Park's remarks hurt the pride and feelings of the Korean residents in China.

The Korean Association in China pointed out, "Minister Park's remarks caused great disappointment and helplessness among the residents who are working together to overcome the COVID-19 crisis," and added, "As the head of the relevant department, we hope the minister reflects on whether his choice of words and expressions were appropriate."

They continued, "We emphasize that the minister should apologize to the Korean residents in China and the public who were hurt by these remarks and must never repeat such mistakes."

A Chinese international student is sanitizing their hands at Gimhae Airport on the 25th.
Jinju City, Gyeongnam, cooperated with Gyeongsang National University to prevent the spread of COVID-19. On this day, they visited Gimhae Airport and Incheon Airport, where many Chinese international students arrive, and transported the students to the university dormitories.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 26th, during a plenary session of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, Minister Park sparked controversy by saying, "The biggest cause was Koreans who came from China. It means Koreans who originally came from China."

When Jeong Gap-yoon, a member of the Future United Party, asked, "Shouldn't it have been stopped from the beginning? Are you saying our country is the origin of COVID-19?" Minister Park emphasized, "It means Koreans who originally came from China. Koreans who came from China."

As the controversy grew over the remarks, Minister Park explained, "Koreans who went to China could have brought the pathogen, or it could have come directly from China," and added, "Before patient number 31, the proportion of domestic cases was higher, so I said that."

Despite Minister Park's explanation, the opposition party called for his resignation. On the 27th, Shim Jae-cheol, floor leader of the Future United Party, said at the party's highest council meeting held at the National Assembly, "The government and the Democratic Party are making outrageous remarks that provoke public anger. Their shamelessness is unbearable to watch," and criticized, "The minister who neglected quarantine and prevention measures, causing the infectious disease to spread, is not only self-praising but also blaming the public."