[Summary] Song Young-gil Reveals 'Moderna Schedule'... Government Says "Violation of Confidentiality, Regret"

Jungsubon "Penalty Possible for Violating Confidentiality Agreement"
"Supply Schedule and Quantity May Be Readjusted or Supply May Be Suspended"

Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is listening to a participant's remarks at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 28th. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Ju-hyung] The government expressed regret over Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, revealing detailed supply plans for the COVID-19 vaccine developed by the U.S. pharmaceutical company Moderna in a media interview. There are concerns that the pharmaceutical company might impose disadvantages citing a breach of the confidentiality agreement.

Son Young-rae, head of the Social Strategy Division at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH), said at a regular briefing on the 28th, "We at the CDSCH express some regret and feel sorry that parts of the vaccine supply information, which have not been precisely finalized, were disclosed through other channels first," adding, "We will be careful to prevent such incidents from recurring as much as possible."

Son emphasized, "We regret the confusion and the need to provide explanations," and added, "We will be careful to prevent such incidents from happening again and will share this stance through various channels."

Regarding the specific vaccine supply volume, the position is that nothing has been finalized. Son explained, "A considerable amount has been agreed to be provided as early as next week," and "There are figures being discussed at the working level, but since this is a conclusion of the first consultation, further discussions are needed before disclosure."

Son Young-rae, Head of Strategic Planning Team, Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters / Photo by Yonhap News

Earlier that day, Song mentioned specific figures for the vaccine volume Moderna plans to introduce in August during an interview with KBS Radio. This statement sparked controversy due to the risk of violating the confidentiality agreement between the pharmaceutical company and the government.

Detailed vaccine supply plans are typically subject to confidentiality agreements and are disclosed in accordance with the timing of introduction. If the confidentiality agreement is breached, the pharmaceutical company may suspend or delay vaccine supply. In such cases, even if disadvantages occur, the government is obligated to pay the fees as agreed.

Regarding this, Son said, "All supplied quantities are not allowed to be fully disclosed. Basically, this case (Song's statement) is also considered subject to the confidentiality agreement," and explained, "Penalties are possible. The supply schedule and volume can be readjusted as a penalty, supply can be completely stopped, and even if supply is stopped, the obligation to pay the fees remains."

However, he added, "This is a special situation where confirmed quantities have been delayed exceptionally, and discussions are ongoing about whether this falls under the confidentiality agreement."

On the morning of the 26th, medical staff are preparing Moderna vaccines to be administered to recipients at a hospital in Buk-gu, Gwangju. / Photo by Yonhap News

Amid this situation, the opposition parties demanded a public apology from Leader Song.

Hwang Bo-seung-hee, spokesperson for the People Power Party, issued a statement that day saying, "How long must the public anxiously and worriedly watch the ruling party leader's words?" and criticized, "Now, anger is rising beyond worry."

She continued, "This matter is directly related to the safety of the people," and warned, "If the vaccine supply is suspended or delayed due to breach of the agreement while the payment is made, what will you do? Can Leader Song take responsibility for the damage to the people?"

Ahn Hye-jin, spokesperson for the People’s Party, also pointed out in a verbal statement, "The government and ruling party’s confused and inconsistent behavior, including this controversy over Leader Song’s remarks, is repeated," adding, "It makes one think that the public’s trust is being lost."