"Son of Lawmaker Lee Nak-yeon Apologizes for 'Corona Comes Out of the Nose' Remark, Saying It Lacks Sensitivity to People's Pain"

Lee Nak-yeon, Chairman of the COVID-19 Disaster Countermeasure Safety Committee of the Democratic Party of Korea, is reviewing documents at the joint meeting of the COVID-19 Disaster Safety Countermeasure Committee and the Supreme Council held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 2nd. Photo by Yonhap News.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] The son of former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon, who is currently serving as a professor in the Department of Psychiatry at a university hospital in Seoul, issued an official apology on the 4th after a joke he made about the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) on a recent YouTube broadcast sparked controversy.

Mr. Lee (38) stated in a position paper that day, "I was lacking as a doctor and also insufficient in empathizing with the pain of the people," adding, "I deeply reflect and apologize." He also announced, "I will immediately cease all external activities such as broadcasts."

Mr. Lee appeared on the YouTube channel 'Biondwi,' operated by medical journalist Hong Hye-gul, on the 14th of last month, where he reportedly said, "COVID comes out of the nose," and "(When confirmed patients visit the hospital) from my perspective, I want to rest a bit," among other remarks.

When asked, "Does the infection rate increase when the weather gets warmer?" he reportedly responded, "I think it will increase," and "Or maybe not."

As controversy over Mr. Lee's remarks spread, Mr. Hong explained in a post on his Facebook on the 3rd, "Professor Lee's remarks were made three weeks ago before the COVID-19 situation became as serious as it is now," and "It was not intended to mock the infected but was a spontaneous comment reflecting the thought that the atmosphere did not need to be too stiff."

However, he also apologized, saying, "I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely apologize to those who were hurt by his remarks."

Nevertheless, opposition parties have continued to criticize, saying, "The reckless remarks of an immature doctor are angering the public."

Kim Hyun-ah, floor spokesperson for the United Future Party, issued a statement titled "COVID comes out of the nose. Is this something a person should say?" on the 4th, urging former Prime Minister Lee to apologize, saying, "To Lee Nak-yeon's son, COVID was nothing more than a joke material."

Former Prime Minister Lee currently serves as the chair of the Democratic Party's COVID-19 Disaster Countermeasures and Safety Committee.

Spokesperson Kim said, "The deceased and confirmed patients of COVID-19, as well as the medical staff and quarantine officials fighting on the front lines against the disease, would be heartbroken to hear this."

She added, "I ask former Prime Minister Lee: Are you aware of how serious and offensive your son's remarks are, which show a lack of recognition of the gravity of the situation and a lack of empathy for others' suffering, instead mocking it? Do you think it is normal for your son to joke and laugh about COVID-19?"