'Less Dead, So Safer?'…Noh Young-min, Blue House Chief Secretary, Controversy Over COVID-19 'Death Toll Comparison'

Noh Young-min Chief of Presidential Secretariat Facebook

[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sun-hee] Presidential Chief of Staff Noh Young-min is facing controversy for promoting South Korea's response capabilities to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) by comparing the 'number of deaths' with other countries like Spain, where the situation is severe.

On the 8th, Chief of Staff Noh posted on his Facebook, citing data compiled by the international statistics site Worldometer, starting with the phrase, "COVID-19 deaths per 1 million people: United States 39, Spain 300, Republic of Korea 4." The site provides statistical data on confirmed COVID-19 cases, deaths, and testing numbers worldwide.

Chief of Staff Noh introduced, "As of April 8, the number of deaths per 1 million people in our country is 4, ranking 27th among the 36 OECD countries, following Spain (300), Italy (283), France (158), the United Kingdom (91), and the United States (39)."

In the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic emergency, he ranked countries by the 'number of deaths.' He emphasized that South Korea, with a relatively low number of deaths, is superior to other countries.

However, this has been criticized as disrespectful to other countries suffering from increasing deaths due to COVID-19. On the 24th of last month, President Moon Jae-in spoke with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, emphasizing the 'spirit of cooperation and solidarity,' stating, "The COVID-19 crisis is a global challenge and not limited to one country, so international cooperation and solidarity are more necessary than ever."

It is also pointed out that even if the death rate is statistically lower than other countries, such remarks may cause pain to the approximately 200 domestic COVID-19 victims and their bereaved families.

Image posted by Chief Secretary Noh Young-min on Facebook

Chief of Staff Noh also shared statistics on confirmed cases, stating, "The number of confirmed cases per 1 million people in our country is 203, ranking 30th after Spain (3036), Italy (2243), France (1671), Germany (1285), and the United States (1210)." He further specified some countries with fewer confirmed cases than South Korea, explaining, "Countries with fewer confirmed cases per 1 million people than us, such as Mexico and Japan, have total testing numbers about one-tenth of ours," attributing it to 'fewer tests conducted.'

He added, "South Korea's effective response to COVID-19 is clearly shown in objective comparisons with OECD member countries, but there is still a long way to go," and stated, "The Moon Jae-in administration will make every effort until COVID-19 is eradicated."