Kim Ki-hyun: "Vaccine procurement ranks last worldwide, but boasts are the best in the world"

Kim Ki-hyun, Acting Leader and Floor Leader of the People Power Party, is attending and speaking at the party meeting held at the National Assembly on the 4th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Kim Ki-hyun, Acting Leader of the People Power Party and Floor Leader, criticized the government's COVID-19 vaccine policy, saying, "While vaccine procurement and vaccination are among the worst in the world, the government's boastful claims are among the best, creating a stark contrast."

On the 4th, Acting Leader Kim said at a People Power Party members' meeting held at the National Assembly, "President Moon Jae-in and government officials keep repeating that 'there is no problem with supply' and 'herd immunity will be achieved by November,' but in reality, no one knows when the public will receive the vaccine," adding, "When we ask for vaccines, it feels like we are only being given distrust."

Acting Leader Kim stated, "The vaccine supply issue should not be a subject of political strife," emphasizing, "It is a matter concerning the lives and safety of the people and a very serious issue affecting the entire economy. We have already expressed our willingness to actively address this issue beyond party lines, and we proposed dispatching a National Assembly delegation to secure vaccines to the Speaker of the National Assembly, who also promised active cooperation and support on this matter."

He continued, "The government still has not disclosed specific vaccine supply plans or the extent of secured quantities," and added, "I requested that information from Lee Cheol-hee, Senior Secretary for Political Affairs at the Blue House, yesterday, but they are still only assuring that there are no problems."

Meanwhile, regarding the five scheduled ministerial confirmation hearings that day, Acting Leader Kim said, "Many candidates are questionable not only as ministerial nominees but even as public officials," and warned, "If they continue to treat confirmation hearings as mere formalities and persist in double standards and hypocrisy?pursuing appointments despite clear opposition from the public and defects pointed out by the National Assembly?they will never be forgiven by the people."