KDCA Explains President Moon's Comment on 'Late Turn'... "Meant There Should Be No Rush to Step Forward"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jihwan] On the first day of COVID-19 vaccination on the 26th, regarding Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) Commissioner Jeong Eun-kyeong's remark to President Moon Jae-in, saying "(I hope) your (vaccine) vaccination order comes late...", the KDCA clarified that the intention was "to prevent distrust in the vaccine."

Through a message sent to the press corps that day, the KDCA emphasized, "Commissioner Jeong's statement was intended to express the hope that distrust in the vaccine does not arise, leading to a situation where the president would receive the vaccine earlier than the designated order."

That morning, while observing vaccinations at a public health center in Mapo-gu, Seoul, President Moon asked Commissioner Jeong, who was present at the site, "When will the president get the opportunity?" to which Commissioner Jeong replied, "I hope your turn comes late...".

This sparked controversy as some interpreted it as implying a wish to avoid the AstraZeneca vaccine, which has had debates over its effectiveness in the elderly.