[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Oh Young-hwan, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, was late in revealing that he had come into contact with a confirmed COVID-19 (novel coronavirus infection) patient, prompting the National Assembly to enter a state of emergency. The holding of the plenary session to pass the 3rd supplementary budget bill also became uncertain.
Oh's office stated on the afternoon of the 3rd, "On the 1st, a citizen who shook hands with me at a local event in Uijeongbu City was confirmed positive for COVID-19," adding, "I underwent screening at Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital and am self-quarantining until the test results come out." They further added, "Although I currently have no symptoms, I hope those who had close contact with me from the 2nd to the 3rd will actively consider suspending activities until the test results are available."
According to the Democratic Party, many Democratic Party lawmakers and party officials who had contact with Oh are reported. As a leading candidate for party leadership, Lee Nak-yeon, who has had contact with many Democratic Party lawmakers, also attended the 'Lecture by Former Minister of Unification Lee Jong-seok' held at the National Assembly on the morning of the same day and stayed in the same space with Oh for about an hour. Lee returned home at 1:50 p.m. that day and decided to stay at home until 8 p.m., when Oh's test results are expected.
Besides Lee, the debate included Special Budget and Accounts Committee members Yang Yi-won-young, Lee Hae-sik, Lee Jung-moon, Lee Yong-seon, and Lim Ho-seon, as well as Park Joo-min, Woo Won-shik, Jin Sung-jun, Lee Jung-moon, Choi Hye-young, Ko Young-in, Kang Eun-mi, and Heo Young. Also, since Oh is a member of the party preparation committee, many related party leadership and officials are reported to have had contact with him.
Accordingly, the full meeting of the Budget and Accounts Committee and the plenary session scheduled for the night to pass the 3rd supplementary budget bill by the Democratic Party have become uncertain. The National Assembly Safety Situation Room announced, "Those who had contact with Oh are requested to report and self-quarantine until the test results come out around 7 p.m. today." However, Hong Jung-min, the Democratic Party floor spokesperson, told reporters, "The plenary session is scheduled for 7 p.m. and the party meeting at 6:30 p.m., and there is no change yet."
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