'"Kim Moran Responsibility Theory" and Blue House: "Now is the time to unite to overcome this situation"'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Regarding the recent spread of COVID-19 and the opposition party's calls for accountability of Ki Moran, the Blue House's Chief of Quarantine Planning, the Blue House dismissed these claims, stating, "Now is the time to unite our efforts to overcome this situation together."

A Blue House official responded to reporters' questions on the 12th, saying, "The Chief of Quarantine Planning is responsible for establishing quarantine policies and acting as a bridge between the Blue House and the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, the Central Disease Control Headquarters, and the Central Quarantine Headquarters," emphasizing this point.

This came in response to the opposition party raising accountability issues regarding Ki Moran, the official in charge of quarantine amid the recent COVID-19 spread. On the same day, Kim Ki-hyun, the floor leader of the People Power Party, argued that those responsible for the quarantine failure must be held accountable, stating, "Lee Jin-seok, the Blue House Director of National Situation Room, and Ki Moran should be immediately dismissed."

The Blue House official said, "The recent situation has occurred due to a combination of factors, including the highly contagious Delta variant," adding, "Now is the time to unite our efforts to overcome this situation together."

Regarding Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon's proposal for early vaccination of the youth at the special metropolitan quarantine inspection meeting held that day, the official replied, "By early August, a total of 3 million vaccine doses will be supplied to local governments nationwide, allowing them the autonomy to set vaccination priorities and proceed accordingly," and added, "The Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency explained at the meeting that local governments, including those in the metropolitan area, can prioritize vaccinations including for young and middle-aged groups."

The meeting also discussed self-treatment. The Blue House official explained, "Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung described the Gyeonggi home care system targeting asymptomatic and mild pediatric patients under 12 years old, as well as confirmed patients with children under 12 or those needing care, and proposed expanding the target group," adding, "Mayors Oh Se-hoon and Park Nam-chun also expressed agreement, leading to further discussion." The Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency responded, "We will conduct practical reviews on feasibility and management systems and consult with local governments going forward."

Regarding the Korea-Japan summit, the Blue House maintained its existing stance. A Blue House official said, "Looking at recent Japanese media reports, there seems to be a political use of issues such as the leaders' attendance at the Olympic opening ceremony and the improvement of Korea-Japan relations, so we are watching closely," and added, "Our government is willing to hold a Korea-Japan summit, but if the summit takes place, it must yield results."