Lee Jong-sung "Moon Shifts Vaccine Responsibility"... Jeong Se-gyun "Maintain Dignity" Reacts Angrily

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun clashed with opposition lawmakers during an emergency inquiry on COVID-19 held at the National Assembly on the 8th. The conflict arose when Lee Jong-sung, a member of the People Power Party, criticized the inadequacy of vaccine procurement and stated, "President Moon Jae-in is shifting the responsibility onto the officials."

During the inquiry, Rep. Lee said, "Herd immunity is delayed compared to other countries," and added, "The President has given instructions 13 times regarding vaccine procurement but is shifting the responsibility onto the officials."

In response, Prime Minister Chung's expression hardened as he said, "It is true that the President gave instructions related to vaccines and took an active interest, even making calls to foreign CEOs when necessary. However, describing this as 'shifting responsibility' is inappropriate."

He raised his voice at Rep. Lee, who was trying to continue questioning by saying, "It's my questioning time," saying, "What do you mean by shifting responsibility? You should not speak like that about the head of state. You must maintain dignity."

When Rep. Lee responded, "(The President) gave instructions, isn't that the end of it? Does that mean no one followed them?" Prime Minister Chung retorted, "Is it appropriate for you to say that? You should not say that."

Regarding Rep. Lee's accusations blaming the government for failures in COVID-19 prevention, Prime Minister Chung said, "It is too early to make a hasty judgment. We have a roadmap to become one of the fastest countries among the world's leading nations to overcome COVID-19 and are making efforts accordingly. Please evaluate this after the fact."