Citizen Life and Health Are the Top Priority Over Any Freedom... Statement Urging Strong Response from Government and Seoul City Announced
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] The upcoming October 3rd is Gaecheonjeol (開天節), a day commemorating Dangun Wanggeom’s founding of the nation. It is the oldest national holiday in Korea.
However, a dark shadow is cast over this meaningful day. Far-right and conservative groups are insisting on holding large-scale rallies again at Gwanghwamun.
Holding large-scale rallies amid the national crisis of 'COVID-19' is tantamount to terrorism against citizens. Did we not witness the enormous sacrifices made by Seoul citizens and the entire Korean population due to the rally held on Liberation Day? The public’s daily life, which had somewhat recovered thanks to the unprecedented social distancing level 2.5, collapsed helplessly. Crowded streets became deserted, jobs were lost, and small business owners and self-employed individuals are still enduring difficult days.
As if quickly forgetting everyone’s time of endurance, some far-right and conservative groups are showing determination to proceed with the rally despite the concerns of ten million Seoul citizens and the government’s strong punishment policies. Moreover, they plan to use the globally praised K-quarantine system’s product, such as the ‘drive-thru’ rally, for illegal gatherings.
The Democratic Party of Korea in the Seoul Metropolitan Council wants to ask what exactly these groups aim to achieve by threatening not only the people but also their own lives and safety during this critical time when all citizens are enduring hardship.
Citizens have already sacrificed a great deal due to 'COVID-19' over a long period. The safety and lives of citizens must not be held hostage for some improper purposes. Such actions can no longer be tolerated. The Democratic Party of Korea in the Seoul Metropolitan Council demands the government and Seoul city to use all means and methods to firmly respond, including banning illegal rallies.
Additionally, Seoul city must devote thorough efforts to quarantine and management during the Chuseok holiday and the Gaecheonjeol holiday period so that our citizens can fully enjoy this clear autumn sky. Seoul citizens are also urged to remember their mature civic consciousness shown so far and to refrain from traveling as much as possible and to focus on personal quarantine during the Chuseok holiday period.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
