Lee Jae-myung Tests Positive for COVID-19... Moon's Prevention and Korea-US Summit Postponed

Positive Result from Self-Test on Morning of 22nd
Visit to Roh Moo-hyun's Tomb and Postponement of Moon Jae-in's Visit
Ruling and Opposition Leaders' Meeting Also Delayed... South Korea "Wishing a Speedy Recovery"

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, tested positive for COVID-19 on the 22nd and entered self-quarantine. The Democratic Party postponed both the planned visit to former President Moon Jae-in on the same day and the meeting with Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, scheduled three days later.

Lee's side reported that he had cold symptoms in the morning and tested positive using a COVID-19 self-test kit. Originally, Lee and the new leadership were scheduled to visit Jinyeong-eup, Gimhae-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, to pay respects at the late President Roh Moo-hyun’s tomb, followed by a visit to Moon’s Pyeongsan Bookstore in Habuk-myeon, Yangsan-si, Gyeongsangnam-do. However, all plans were postponed due to Lee’s positive diagnosis. A Democratic Party representative said, "Currently, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters recommends self-quarantine until 24 hours after symptoms improve," adding, "The visits to Bongha Village in Gimhae and Pyeongsan Village in Yangsan will be rescheduled."

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea. Attending a debate in 2022 while wearing a mask.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

The meeting with Han, originally set for Sunday the 25th, was also postponed. Lee’s side stated, "We requested a postponement because there is no guarantee that symptoms will improve by the scheduled meeting day." Upon hearing the news, Han said, "I wish Leader Lee a speedy recovery," and added, "With more time available, I hope the meeting for political restoration will be conducted more thoroughly. We will also prepare well."

Park Chan-dae, the floor leader, also took two days off as he judged quarantine was necessary. At the previous day’s Supreme Council meeting, Lee had mentioned, "The government must promptly and effectively prepare measures to respond to the resurgence of COVID-19."