[Summary] Moon's 'First Vaccine Dose' Controversy Spurs Ruling Party to Step Up... "We Will Get Vaccinated First"

'#Pal_Geodeotseumnida' Ruling Party SNS March
Ruling Party Lawmakers "If You Don't Trust the Vaccine, I'll Get It First"

President Moon Jae-in visited Punglim Pharmatech, a production facility for low dead space (LDS) syringes used for COVID-19 vaccinations, in Gunsan-si, Jeonbuk, on the afternoon of the 18th, where he examined the low dead space vaccine syringes. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] With the first COVID-19 vaccination just three days away, political circles continue to debate whether President Moon Jae-in will be the 'first recipient.' In particular, in response to the opposition party's claim that "President Moon should be the first to get vaccinated to alleviate vaccine anxiety," some ruling party lawmakers have expressed their willingness to get vaccinated first and warned to stop the "politicization of vaccines."

On the 23rd, ruling party lawmakers launched the '#Rolled_Up_Sleeves' campaign to dispel public distrust of the COVID-19 vaccine. They stated that if necessary, they would get vaccinated first to prove the vaccine's safety.

Lee Jae-jung, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea who initiated the campaign, wrote on her Facebook that day, "Those who criticized the delay in vaccine introduction are now fueling vaccine ineffectiveness theories and vaccine anxiety," and pointed out, "The opposition party's irresponsible offensive, which drags the president into the issue and politicizes it as if people cannot get vaccinated due to anxiety, is truly irresponsible."

She continued, "Vaccinations should proceed according to principles and order," and emphasized, "Nevertheless, if people still cannot trust the vaccine, we, I, will get vaccinated first."

Along with this, Lee left hashtags such as '#Instead_of_Distrust_Vaccine', '#Vaccine_is_Science', '#Vaccine_for_All', and '#Rolled_Up_Sleeves.'

Democratic Party lawmaker Ko Min-jung also joined the '#Rolled_Up_Sleeves' campaign. On her Facebook, Ko said, "Vaccinations should proceed according to principles and sequentially. About 93% of those eligible for vaccination have already expressed willingness to get vaccinated," and added, "Nevertheless, if people still cannot trust the vaccine, I will get vaccinated first."

She also stressed, "We should not politicize this by dragging the president into it as if people cannot get vaccinated due to anxiety," and urged, "Please stop the 'politicization of vaccines' immediately."

Participating in the '#Pal_Geodeureosseumnida' campaign, Lee So-young, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea. Photo by Lee So-young

In particular, Democratic Party lawmaker Lee So-young posted a photo of herself with her sleeve rolled up, saying, "I am ready to roll up my sleeve anytime. Please trust the government and entrust your arm to the COVID-19 vaccine to restore our daily lives."

Lee emphasized, "We should not get caught up in discussions like 'You go first.' This is a vaccine approved after confirming safety and efficacy," and added, "If necessary to dispel doubts and concerns about the vaccine, I will roll up my sleeve anytime. If the quarantine authorities approve, I will roll up my sleeve and step forward even today."

Other Democratic Party lawmakers including Park Joo-min, Lee So-young, Hong Jung-min, Lee Tan-hee, and Kim Yong-min also posted messages saying, "I will get vaccinated first." Park Joo-min said, "If anyone is anxious (I don't know how much help this will be and as long as it does not interfere with the government's quarantine), I will get vaccinated first to reduce anxiety about the vaccine."

Earlier, Kim Tae-nyeon, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, criticized at the morning floor meeting at the National Assembly, "The opposition party's childish vaccine politicization during the COVID-19 crisis is shameful and pathetic."

He emphasized, "If there are doubts about the vaccine's safety, politicians need to take the lead by getting vaccinated first," and added, "Democratic Party lawmakers have already pledged to get vaccinated first if necessary even before the vaccine was developed."

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, is attending the party strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on the 23rd and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

On the other hand, the opposition party holds the position that government officials, including the president, need to take the lead to alleviate public anxiety about the vaccine.

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, said at the emergency committee meeting the day before, "There are many questions about AstraZeneca's immunity rate and safety," and added, "If the government is going to recommend vaccination to the public, responsible government officials including the president should get vaccinated first to alleviate vaccine anxiety."

Some have also called for Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun to be the 'first recipient.' Independent lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun said, "Prime Minister Chung is leading quarantine and vaccine measures as the head of the COVID-19 countermeasures headquarters. Since he has also stated that he will respond strictly to fake news about vaccine anxiety, he is the right person to prove that the AstraZeneca vaccine is truly safe."

Meanwhile, the AstraZeneca vaccine is scheduled to be first administered starting on the 26th to residents and workers under 65 years old in nursing hospitals and nursing facilities nationwide.