[Report] "What's the point of living when my child is dead?" Vaccine Victims' Families in Tears

Victims' Families Association to Operate Memorial Altar from 12th
"No Day Without Tears Since Son Collapsed" Appeals for Causality Recognition
Jung-gu Office Notifies "Road Act Violation... Forced Demolition Policy"
"Determined to Stop at All Costs" Bereaved Families Take Firm Stance

Mr. Kim Ji-yong, who experienced side effects such as limb paralysis after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine last March. Photo by Kim Doo-kyung, President of the Kobakhoe.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Joo-hee] "A perfectly healthy person collapsed, at least give us an explanation," "It is so heartbreaking."

The COVID-19 Vaccine Victims' Families Association (Kovakhoe) set up a joint memorial altar in front of the Sora Tower at Cheonggye Plaza, Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 12th. Kovakhoe stated that they installed the altar to urge the government to take measures, as the vaccine-related damages are clear but the government consistently denies causality. Even on the 17th, when the freezing cold was fierce, Kovakhoe members were guarding the altar for the fifth consecutive day.

Kim Doo-kyung, president of Kovakhoe, stayed overnight in a rest tent next to the altar from the previous day until that day. He said that since his son Jiyong (26) collapsed after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine in March last year, he has had days without tears drying up. Jiyong, who had served in the military in good health and worked as an occupational therapist at a hospital, received the vaccine following the recommendation for priority vaccination of healthcare workers, but shortly after showed side effects such as vomiting, chills, and fever. Later, he developed paralysis symptoms in his limbs and became unable to perform daily activities without assistance.

Kim explained, "He had a health checkup before joining the hospital and was fine. After joining, he was told to get vaccinated at the hospital, and he did. Just ten days after joining, my son collapsed." He added, "We even received a medical opinion stating the symptoms appeared to be side effects of the vaccine, but the government did not acknowledge causality."

He continued, "My child cannot move a single finger or open his eyes properly, but the test results showed no abnormalities, and the hospital told us to discharge him." He said tearfully, "I couldn't understand how they could tell us to discharge him when he can't even walk alone. It is so unfair. The government, which should guide us, is shifting all responsibility onto the people."

Lee Joo-hyung lost his 31-year-old son in September last year. Lee said that after his son received the Pfizer vaccine, he left the house after seeing him sleeping, and when he returned a few days later, his son was already deceased. Lee said his son was a healthy young man with no underlying diseases.

On the 17th, Kim Du-gyeong, chairman of the Vaccine Victims' Families Association, was met at the joint condolence altar for COVID-19 vaccine victims set up in front of Cheonggye Plaza, Jung-gu, Seoul.
Photo by Kang Joo-hee kjh818@

He said, "We only got vaccinated because the government told us to. Regardless of money, even after my son’s condition, no one has come forward to acknowledge causality or apologize." He pointed out, "Among Kovakhoe members, about 30 have died like my son, but only two cases have been recognized as causally related to the vaccine."

He added, "Those who became ill after vaccination have to rely on hospitals and struggle to afford the costs, leading to financial hardship. I don’t know about those with economic means, but how are people supposed to live when the breadwinner husband collapses and their child dies?"

According to data submitted to People Power Party lawmaker Hong Seok-jun by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, among about 1,100 death cases after vaccination, only two were recognized as causally related. Also, among about 1,300 reports of severe aftereffects, only four were acknowledged as causally related.

Kovakhoe demands from the government ▲reexamination of vaccine safety ▲disclosure of the deliberation contents of the damage compensation expert committee ▲withdrawal of mandatory COVID-19 vaccination and quarantine pass for ages 12 to 17 ▲enactment of a special law for vaccine victims.

Joint Memorial Altar for COVID-19 Vaccine Victims Installed at Cheonggye Plaza, Jung-gu / Photo by Joohee Kang kjh818@

Meanwhile, Jung-gu Office, responsible for Cheonggye Plaza, sent a notice to Kovakhoe requesting the removal of the altar, citing violation of the Road Act. A Jung-gu Office official said, "We request removal of roadside obstructions that hinder citizen passage if they are not on private property," and added, "We will continue to persuade the group to comply with the removal request."

However, Kovakhoe stated that there will be no removal. President Kim said, "We will block it, even if it means risking death." He raised his voice, "A perfectly healthy child ended up like this; shouldn’t someone come forward and explain? Either restore things to how they were or offer a proper apology."

He continued, "The government keeps forcing people to get vaccinated. How can I get vaccinated when my son ended up like this? Are they telling me to get vaccinated at the risk of death?" He said, "Victims keep increasing. That must be stopped. We will fight to the end."