Jang Je-won "Clumsy Vaccine Politics Annoy the People"... Hwang Kyo-ahn "A Cry Born from Desperation"

Jang Je-won "Using vaccines as a tool for division... disgrace to the country"
Hwang Kyo-ahn "Not division... sincerity was miscommunicated"

Hwang Kyo-ahn, former leader of the United Future Party (now People Power Party), who embarked on a trip to the United States at the invitation of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, is moving toward the departure area of Terminal 2 at Incheon International Airport on the 5th. On the right is Ji Seong-ho, a member of the People Power Party. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] On the 12th, Rep. Jang Je-won of the People Power Party criticized former Future United Party (now People Power Party) leader Hwang Kyo-ahn, saying he was "using vaccines as a tool for division," to which former leader Hwang responded, "I had no intention of creating division."

Earlier, on the 11th (local time), former leader Hwang requested support from the United States for 10 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines and stated that he received a response from a White House official promising to make every effort. In this process, he mentioned that he asked for support even for Seoul, Busan, and Jeju?local governments led by People Power Party members?as a symbolic gesture of the strong Korea-US alliance.

Regarding this, Rep. Jang Je-won criticized former leader Hwang on his Facebook, saying, "I hope the former prime minister, who is clumsily politicizing vaccines as a tool for division in front of citizens hurt and struggling due to COVID-19, realizes how irritating this is to the people."

He raised his voice, saying, "No matter how urgent the presidential bid was, going all the way to the US to ask for vaccines even for Seoul, Busan, and Jeju, where People Power Party local leaders are, is absurd. Are only the people in regions with People Power Party local leaders considered citizens?"

Furthermore, Rep. Jang said, "The Moon Jae-in administration, which for four years divided the people and made only Moon Jae-in’s supporters the citizens, is already frustrating, but now the former prime minister, who is a presidential candidate, is engaging in strange division politics. The people are asking, 'Are you playing with vaccines?'"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In response, former leader Hwang explained on his Facebook, "I had no intention of dividing the people," and apologized, saying, "If Rep. Jang and others were hurt by this, I apologize. Please understand that this was a desperate cry made out of urgency and desperation."

He said, "I feel absurd and sorry that my sincerity was misunderstood. I think it is inappropriate to keep arguing about this issue, especially for the people who are still suffering from vaccine shortages, so I will only explain my true intentions."

He continued, "To conclude, during this visit, I heard the welcome news that the US could support vaccines for our country. While I may have contributed to this effort, I believe it reflects the value of our alliance. However, the ruling party rejected the opposition’s proposal to 'conduct vaccine diplomacy together,' saying 'it’s not something that can be done just because a few lawmakers go.'

He added, "It was frustrating that they said 'no' outright without even trying. So, I gave some examples to pressure them to negotiate more actively. If negotiations fail due to passivity, there could be other ways. I want to make it clear that my rhetoric was solely to encourage the Blue House, government, and ruling party."

Former Hwang Kyo-ahn, former leader of the United Future Party (now the People Power Party), announced that on the 11th (local time), he met with Mark Napier, U.S. Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, in Washington DC to exchange views on the Korea-U.S. alliance issue. The photo shows former leader Hwang Kyo-ahn meeting with Mark Napier, U.S. Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Then, Rep. Jang posted again on his Facebook, saying, "I’m very relieved to hear that there was no intention to divide," but also pointed out, "I wonder if you overlooked the fact that all of former leader Hwang’s remarks and actions can only be interpreted politically, regardless of his intentions."

He added, "Especially on the diplomatic stage, where restraint and caution are extremely required, when dealing with vaccines, which have an absolute sensitivity related to life, there should be no room for political misunderstandings."

He then questioned, "'The request for vaccine support for regions with People Power Party local leaders'?rather than being seen as a 'desperate cry made out of urgency' or 'pressure on the Moon Jae-in administration,' as explained?might be perceived as political and diplomatic recklessness. Am I the only one who thinks so?"

"I wonder how much the public will sympathize with former leader Hwang’s explanation."