COVID-19 Vaccination Begins... Ruling Party "First Step to Normalcy" Opposition "Must Disclose Supply Plan"

[Asia Economy Reporters Naju-seok and Jeon Jin-young] As COVID-19 vaccinations began, the political sphere showed mixed reactions. The ruling party expressed optimism about the return to normal life, while the opposition pointed out the need for a stable supply plan. Both ruling and opposition parties agreed on cooperating to advance the timeline for herd immunity.

On the morning of the 26th, medical staff at Geumcheon-gu Public Health Center in Seoul are filling syringes with the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine for COVID-19. Photo by Joint Press Corps

Regarding the official start of COVID-19 vaccinations on the 26th, the ruling party, the Democratic Party of Korea, expressed great expectations. Representative Lee Nak-yeon stated at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that morning, "We hope that the long-awaited vaccination will be the first step toward the recovery of daily life." He emphasized, "Together with the government, the Democratic Party will manage every process, from vaccine distribution to post-vaccination reactions, so that the public can feel reassured without any gaps."

Democratic Party candidates for Seoul mayor also responded. Candidate Woo Sang-ho wrote on Facebook, "Following the world-surprising K-quarantine, I believe we will write a new legend of K-vaccination with zero errors," and added, "I sincerely pray for the early end of COVID-19 through smooth and efficient vaccination." Candidate Park Young-sun personally visited a public health center in Songpa-gu, Seoul, to inspect the COVID-19 vaccination site. On Facebook, Park said, "I take a strong step forward, envisioning a safe Seoul soon, where people smile at each other without masks."

The opposition criticized the delayed vaccine supply and demanded disclosure of the vaccine supply plan.

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, criticized, "The government and the Democratic Party should first apologize to the people for missing the vaccine procurement by hesitating and only now barely starting vaccinations at the last minute." He added, "The government and the Democratic Party still paint a rosy picture of achieving herd immunity by November this year, but experts predict that even advanced countries will reach herd immunity only by mid-next year. We should look at a more objective timeline and adjust accordingly."

Bae Jun-young, spokesperson for the People Power Party, also pointed out in a verbal statement, "With the start of vaccinations today, the government should promptly provide answers to the public’s most pressing questions: ‘Is it safe? When can I get vaccinated?’"

Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People Power Party, appeared on YTN Radio’s ‘Hwang Bo-seon’s Morning Start’ and demanded the disclosure of a concrete vaccine supply plan. Ahn said, "More than 100 countries worldwide have already started vaccinations, and only now are we beginning," expressing concern, "What worries me more is that it will take a long time before the next batch arrives, so people may only get vaccinated in mid-year or autumn, and there might be a shortage in between."