Rival parties should cooperate in fighting COVID-19
Scenes of political haggling over every routine issue are common at the National Assembly. But the current wrangling between the rival parties over the responsibility for the rapid spread of a new COVID-19 outbreak is all the more shameful in light of the seriousness of the problem.
The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has criticized the main opposition United Future Party (UFP) for failing to prevent its members from attending a weekend rally at Gwanghwamun Square. The anti-government rally, led by conservative pastor Jun Kwang-hoon of the Sarang Jeil Church, has been cited as a new source of mass infections.
The DPK called on the UFP to apologize to the people for letting its members take part in the gathering. DPK Rep. Jung Chung-re even called for punishment of former UFP Chairman Hwang Kyo-ahn who had also joined Jun in a similar rally last year.
In response, UFP floor leader Rep. Joo Ho-young said the ruling camp should take a lesson from the gathering, however inappropriate it was considering the country's anti-pandemic efforts. The UFP's interim leader Kim Chong-in said the ruling party was improperly denouncing the UFP with "childish tactics." Regarding the DPK move to file suits against the pastor, Kim said, "As Jun violated the infection protection law, it is natural to take legal action against him."
Another UFP Rep. Ha Tae-keung alleged that Cheong Wa Dae and the ruling party prompted people to gather at the square by installing a memorial altar for the late Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon who apparently killed himself following allegations that he had sexually harassed one of his secretaries.
It is appropriate to heap criticism on Jun and his church members as they triggered the outbreak by disregarding the relevant quarantine rules. But it is absurd and even shameful for the political parties to sling mud at each other over the rally. The partisan grappling will only invite public rage.
The parties need to join forces to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic by putting a top priority on public health. Regardless of partisan differences, they need to fully cooperate in fighting the infectious disease and do what they can to minimize its economic fallout. We hope President Moon Jae-in and UFP leader Kim will hold a meeting soon to candidly discuss pending issues including COVID-19.