Former and Current United Future Party Lawmakers Protest "Attacks on Specific Churches and Religious Figures"

Jin-seok Jeong "If you intimidate those who need testing... they will shrink back"
Kyung-wook Min "Police and Seoul city block roads... increasing risk of mass infection"
Jin-tae Kim "President threatening the people... an unacceptable act"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Former and current members of the United Future Party launched an offensive against President Moon Jae-in's statement that the Sarang Jeil Church congregants' rally in Gwanghwamun was a "clear challenge to the national quarantine system and an unforgivable act threatening the lives of the people."

On the 17th, United Future Party lawmaker Jeong Jin-seok said on Facebook, "I am worried about the spread of COVID-19 in the metropolitan area. Meanwhile, voices attacking a specific church and certain religious people are growing louder," adding, "As seen in the cases of COVID-19 spread centered around the Shincheonji Church and Itaewon clubs, attacks on specific groups did not help contain the spread of the virus. The low-key approach of health authorities was actually more helpful."

Jeong pointed out, "When the president, the prime minister, and the ruling party's next-generation leaders get angry and scold, those who need to get tested tend to shrink back," and asked, "Would they willingly have the courage to get tested?"

He emphasized, "I understand the government's impatience and concern. Even so, I doubt whether such angry voices really help prevent the spread of COVID-19," and added, "As has been the case so far, wouldn't it be better to leave it to the professional response and prescriptions of the quarantine authorities?"

Former United Future Party lawmaker Min Kyung-wook stated, "Today alone, 260,000 vacationers gathered in Haeundae, and 860,000 people in total at all beaches in Busan. Test all of them for COVID-19 while they are still in their swimsuits and take legal action."

Min said, "The very police and Seoul city authorities who tried to block constitutionally guaranteed rights to protest and assembly to prevent COVID-19 mass infections blocked the roads with vehicles, exposing citizens to greater risk of mass infection," and added, "I will file a lawsuit."

Former United Future Party lawmaker Kim Jin-tae said, "It is unacceptable in a democratic country for the president to threaten the people," and added, "It was reported that even more people attended the rally hosted by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions held on the same day at the same place. I will watch what measures are taken."

Kim also said, "Why did former Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon hold a Seoul mayoral funeral (葬) right in the middle of Gwanghwamun?" and added, "There is only a downhill path for a hypocritical government that suppresses the angry public sentiment that voluntarily came out in the rain."