Suwon Mayor Yeom Tae-young Demands Responsible Stance from Future Integration Party Over 'Cluster Infection'

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] Suwon Mayor Yeom Tae-young demanded a responsible stance from the Future Integration Party regarding the cluster infection at Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul.

Mayor Yeom said in a phone interview with TBS's 'Kim Eo-jun's News Factory' on the morning of the 19th, "Currently, Suwon City has identified 64 members of Sarang Jeil Church within the city. 55 have undergone investigation and 1 is scheduled for testing. The remaining 8 are not answering calls or have their phones disconnected."

He continued, "Out of the 55, 11 have tested positive. It is difficult to trace their movements, and due to their uncooperative attitude such as making false statements or contradicting themselves, we are facing difficulties in grasping the situation."

He further stated, "Of the 11 confirmed cases, 2 are residents from other regions. They tested positive at hospitals within Suwon and were later found to be church members. It appears these people received instructions or guidance from the church telling them not to go to their respective regional health centers but to get tested elsewhere," he questioned.

Mayor Yeom raised his voice, saying, "For maintaining order at the August 15 rally held at Gwanghwamun, 117 auxiliary police officers in Suwon had to undergo testing. What fault do these officers have? They ended up going to a very dangerous infection site. There are several secondary problems."

He then criticized the Future Integration Party, the opposition party, regarding the Sarang Jeil Church confirmed cases and the August 15 rally.

Mayor Yeom said, "I was startled by Future Integration Party floor leader Ju Ho-young's remarks suggesting it is acceptable to participate in anti-government rallies. One should not speak so lightly about such a gambling-like action that puts the entire nation at risk."

He continued, "The government, local governments, medical personnel, and citizens have made efforts for disease prevention, but it collapsed in an instant. I heard that many former lawmakers from that party participated in the August 15 rally. It is unacceptable that a governing party holds an irresponsible attitude as if infection risks are unavoidable when it is a rally criticizing the government."

Meanwhile, Mayor Yeom, who is running as a candidate for supreme council member of the Democratic Party, posted on his personal Facebook on the 18th regarding the cluster infection involving Sarang Jeil Church Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon and his congregation. He demanded that the Future Integration Party, including Chairman Kim Jong-in, "clearly state the opposition party's position on the Gwanghwamun rally, take a responsible stance, confirm party members who participated in this Gwanghwamun rally, and take responsible measures regarding them."