Self-Employed Vehicle Protest... Blue House "Trying to Find Appropriate Balance Between Quarantine and Economy"

The view of Cheongwadae from Namsan, Seoul on the 11th. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] On the 9th, the Blue House stated that it is "finding an appropriate balance between quarantine measures and the economy," following a vehicle protest by self-employed workers the previous day demanding the easing of social distancing.

A Blue House official responded to reporters' questions that day, saying, "The Blue House and the government deeply sympathize with the difficulties and sacrifices of the self-employed workers."

The official added, "We are continuously striving to find an appropriate balance between quarantine measures and the economy, to alleviate the hardships faced by self-employed workers."

Regarding the regulatory proposals being prepared under the ruling party's leadership related to platform companies, the official said, "Legislative matters will be led by the National Assembly, which will broadly gather opinions and discuss them. We will carefully discuss these issues together with the National Assembly while listening to voices from all sectors."