Jeong Eui-yong "Appointing Ambassador-level Official in Charge of Vaccines... Considering Special Envoy Dispatch"

Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong attended an emergency briefing at the National Assembly on the 20th regarding the release of contaminated water from Fukushima and responded to questions from lawmakers. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong stated that an ambassador-level official is being appointed to handle vaccines. The dispatch of a special envoy to secure vaccine supplies is also under consideration.

Minister Chung appeared before the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee on the morning of the 20th and responded to questions by saying, "The dispatch of a special envoy is being internally reviewed."

He also emphasized that an ambassador-level official responsible for securing vaccines is being appointed.

Regarding criticism that the vaccination rate is among the lowest in the world, he replied, "We view the situation seriously" and "We will make every effort to rectify it."