President Moon to Stay at Residence During Lunar New Year Holiday... Calls Quarantine Field Officials on 28th (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in decided to stay at the presidential residence during the Lunar New Year holiday instead of returning to his hometown, focusing on responding to the Omicron situation.

Park Soo-hyun, Senior Secretary for Public Communication at the Blue House, stated in a briefing on the 27th, "President Moon had originally planned to return to Yangsan for this year's Lunar New Year holiday but canceled the plan."

During the Lunar New Year holiday, President Moon will remain at the residence to concentrate on responding to the Omicron situation. On the 28th, he will have a phone call with medical personnel at the quarantine response sites to check the response status, give instructions, and offer encouragement. Just before the Lunar New Year on the 31st, a video message from the President and First Lady addressing the nation for the holiday will be released.

Regarding this, a senior Blue House official said, "President Moon was unable to take leave during last year's Lunar New Year, Chuseok, and his parents' memorial days to focus on work. He hoped to take leave this Lunar New Year holiday, but due to concerns over the surge in Omicron cases and the need to check the response situation, he had no choice but to cancel his holiday plans again." When asked about President Moon's reaction to North Korea's missile launch earlier that morning, the official replied, "We will refer to the NSC announcement."

Meanwhile, concerning the Serious Accidents Punishment Act, which takes effect from today, President Moon said, "I hope this will mark a revolutionary turning point for safety at workplaces and construction sites," adding, "In particular, it should serve as an opportunity to eradicate backward fatal accidents."

He also stated, "I hope the understanding that the Serious Accidents Punishment Act focuses more on prevention than punishment will spread," and emphasized, "The government's efforts and law enforcement to achieve preventive effects are important," urging related ministries to make strenuous efforts.