Choi Ki-young, Minister of Science and ICT, "Possibility of COVID-19 Vaccine Development Within the Year Remains"

Response at the National Assembly Science and ICT Committee Plenary Meeting on the 22nd

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] Choi Ki-young, Minister of Science and ICT, reiterated his stance that the development of a domestically produced COVID-19 vaccine within this year "still has a high possibility."

On the afternoon of the 22nd, during the National Assembly Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee (STIBC) plenary meeting, when Assemblywoman Hwang Bo-seung-hee (People Power Party) pointed out that there had been continuous misjudgments regarding the timing of COVID-19 treatment and vaccine development, he explained that "I only said it could happen if we expedite it as much as possible," clarifying that the communication was not accurate.

Then Minister Choi emphasized, "The possibility of developing a vaccine within this year remains high," and "I have had many thoughts about the need for interest and support in developing vaccines based on science and technology in Korea."

Regarding Assemblywoman Hwang Bo-seung-hee's criticism that "we should speak based on science rather than possibility," implying that it may have caused setbacks in overseas vaccine procurement, he explained, "I have never opposed the import of overseas vaccines. The government is also making efforts to procure them quickly. We have never delayed overseas vaccine procurement in anticipation of domestic vaccine development."

Previously, Minister Choi had confidently stated from the end of last year until February this year that equipment capable of diagnosing COVID-19 within 3 minutes using saliva could be developed by March. However, it has not been developed to date.

In response, at the STIBC plenary meeting at the end of March, Minister Choi was criticized by Committee Chairman Lee Won-wook for "damaging government credibility" and apologized for his recklessness.