(Unofficial Translation)

The present is the accumulation of past history. The Republic of Korea has made unceasing progress even throughout a modern history punctuated by tribulations as well as twists and turns. Now, we have become a country with the status of a powerhouse not only in economic and military strength but also in soft power – democracy, culture, health and medical services, innovation and international cooperation. The only developing country to have joined the ranks of the advanced nations, Korea has been acclaimed internationally as the country that has succeeded the most in the world over a 70-year period following the end of World War II. It has emerged as a country that ranks among the world’s top 10 on a wide range of fronts. All of this is a proud national achievement made by the people’s sweat, tears, dynamism and creativity. It is also the result of each administration carrying on the accomplishments of the preceding administration and addressing any of their shortcomings. The driving force behind the Republic of Korea’s success is unquestionably based on our people’s united capabilities.

Korea seems to be a country that is always plagued by commotion and conflict. However, beneath the surface flows a vigorous undercurrent – the potential of the people – that eventually prevails over crises and helps us make historic progress. There are many areas where we still lag behind, and levels of development vary wildly by sector. Every administration must take on these challenges effectively, so the country can move forward. The people’s proud achievements, however, must never be denied because of my Administration’s shortcomings. Only when the Republic of Korea’s history is seen in a positive light as having been a success across the board can we, I believe, move on to greater success without once again seeing regressions in our history. 

As the omicron wave has recently peaked, its spread is gradually slowing down. Fortunately, our medical response system has so far remained stable without much wavering, and the number of severely or critically ill patients and the mortality rate have also been significantly lowered. In particular, the number of severely or critically ill patients is being managed in a much steadier manner, even though those numbers were feared to be much higher. This is attributable to the high vaccination rate that has been achieved through our people’s active cooperation. It is also the result of quickly reorienting our testing and medical systems – centering them on the management of severely or critically ill patients – thereby maximizing our abilities to provide the medical care required. 

Still, we have yet to turn the corner. This is because it will take some time for a noticeable drop in the number of confirmed cases. Also, even if the number of confirmed cases decreases, the numbers for severely or critically ill patients and deaths may continue to rise for the time being due to the buildup of confirmed cases. The Government will make extraordinary efforts to contain those numbers, so they never surpass our ability to provide medical care and secure enough ICU beds. 

I ask the people to cooperate a little more even though they are struggling. The Government is gradually easing social distancing and epidemic prevention and control measures. However, the desired effect can be achieved only when people take on a greater sense of responsibility in their own anti-epidemic efforts – as we are gradually shifting from coercive epidemic prevention to relying on individual discretion in line with the changes in the medical response system.

Moreover, vaccination rates in Korea are very high for the first and second rounds of inoculation, but in comparison, the inoculation rate for booster shots has recently plateaued. Meanwhile, vaccination for children ages five to eleven is scheduled to begin soon. The Government recommends a booster shot and vaccination for children because the risks from infection far outweigh those from the side effects of vaccination. Medically and internationally, it has been sufficiently proved that the benefits of vaccination far exceed any risks from inoculation. I ask for active cooperation for the sake of everyone’s safety. The Government will do everything possible to make it through the current critical juncture and swiftly restore our normal daily routines.