South Korea’s Health Minister Faces Scrutiny Over COVID-19 Vaccine Handling

South Korea’s Minister of Health and Welfare, Jeong Eun-kyeong, is facing increasing pressure and calls for her resignation following a report by the Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI) regarding the handling of COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic. The controversy centers on concerns about the quality and administration of vaccines, and has ignited a political debate about accountability and transparency.

Audit Findings and Public Concerns

The BAI’s report revealed issues with the storage and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, including the administration of 14.2 million doses of vaccines with potential defects. Reports of “harmful substances such as mold, hair, and silicon dioxide” allegedly mixed in the vaccines have fueled public anxiety and demands for a thorough investigation. The Chosun Ilbo reports that Minister Jeong apologized for the issues raised by the BAI.

Calls for a Special Prosecutor

A recent opinion poll commissioned by the conservative media outlet ‘New Daily’ indicates significant public support for a special prosecutor to investigate the matter. According to the poll, 36.1% of respondents believe a special prosecutor is necessary to uncover the truth about the defective vaccines. The poll, conducted on March 15, 2026, surveyed 1,005 adults nationwide.

Political Divide

The response to the BAI’s findings and the calls for a special prosecutor are sharply divided along political lines. While 65.2% of People Power Party supporters favor a special investigation, only 11.7% of Democratic Party supporters agree. A significant portion of Democratic Party supporters (43.3%) believe the BAI’s audit is sufficient. The Korea Herald notes that Na Kyung-won, a member of the People’s Power, has been critical of Health Minister Jeong.

Minister Jeong’s Response

Minister Jeong Eun-kyeong, who previously led the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency during the pandemic, has offered an apology but has not detailed specific actions to address the concerns raised by the BAI. MSN describes her apology as “perfunctory,” noting it fell short of addressing the criticisms from the BAI.

Approval Ratings and Political Landscape

Recent surveys also indicate President Lee Jae-myung’s approval rating stands at 57.6%, while disapproval is at 36.0%. Democratic Party leader Chung Cheong-rae faces a negative job performance rating (45.0% disapproval vs. 33.4% approval), while People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk has even lower ratings (61.2% disapproval vs. 24.3% approval).

Looking Ahead

The controversy surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine handling is likely to continue to fuel political debate in South Korea. The calls for a special prosecutor and increased accountability will likely put further pressure on Minister Jeong and the government to address public concerns and ensure transparency in future public health initiatives.