(Unofficial Translation) The number of new COVID-19 cases in Daegu finally fell to zero yesterday. It marked the first time in 52 days since the city reported its first confirmed patient. This accomplishment came 42 days after the number of new confirmed cases hit 741, the highest single-day total. I extend my...

Apr 10, 2020

(Unofficial Translation) Today, we are gathered here at the Institut Pasteur Korea to hold a joint meeting on the development of treatments and a vaccine for COVID-19. We have brought together professionals from relevant research institutions, biotechnology firms, academia and the medical community. I am glad to mee...

Apr 09, 2020

(Unofficial Translation) The global economy is sliding into a severe recession. Our economy, which is heavily dependent on overseas markets, is also suffering a tsunami-like impact. We are in a dark tunnel with no end in sight. Vulnerable SMEs and businesses run by the self-employed are being driven to the brink of ...

Apr 08, 2020

(Unofficial Translation) I am glad to meet you all. It is the first time to bring together the leaders from all of the Republic of Korea’s private and state-owned financial institutions. This is because we are in such an emergency economic situation. We have invited you together to express our gratitude for yo...

Apr 06, 2020

(Unofficial Translation) I am glad to meet you all. Gangneung’s Okgye-myeon suffered the greatest damage from the Gangwon-do Province wildfires last year. My heart is truly filled with emotions as I’ve come here again to personally see how the area is being restored and participate in reforestation work ...

Apr 05, 2020

(Unofficial Translation) I received the very sad news that a physician infected with COVID-19 while attending a confirmed case has become the first victim among our medical professionals. I am deeply grieved and saddened, indeed. The Korean Medical Association has decided to observe a moment of silence to honor a...

Apr 04, 2020

(Unofficial Translation) Surviving victims and bereaved families of the 1948 Jeju April 3 Incident, residents of Jeju-do Province, The April 3 Incident is a deep sorrow for Jeju. It brings not only grief to this island but also immense pain to the modern history of the Republic of Korea. Jeju envisioned a genu...

Apr 03, 2020

(Unofficial translation) I am glad to meet you all. The world economy has entered a dark tunnel, but we have to light the way and get past the tunnel. The COVID-19 outbreak is posing a tremendous threat to our economy, which is heavily dependent on overseas markets, but many of our businesses are providing exempl...

Apr 01, 2020

(Unofficial Translation) Let me begin the 16th Cabinet Meeting. The global pandemic of COVID-19 is becoming more serious by the day. Most countries around the world are reporting incidences of confirmed cases, and the scale and speed of the spread is staggering. It is difficult to estimate how far and until when ...

Mar 31, 2020

(Unofficial Translation) We are nearing victory against the COVID-19 outbreak, but my heart is very heavy because a considerable number of people have lost their lives in the process. The fact that our mortality rate is relatively low compared to those of other countries provides no sense of comfort. I extend my dee...

Mar 30, 2020