Contaminated COVID-19 Vaccines: South Korea Launches Investigation, Minister Faces Calls for Dismissal

South Korea is grappling with a growing scandal surrounding potentially contaminated COVID-19 vaccines administered during the pandemic. An audit revealed that vaccines containing foreign substances, or those past their expiration date, may have been distributed to citizens between 2021 and 2024, prompting investigations and calls for accountability.

Audit Findings and Reports of Contamination

The Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI) uncovered evidence of improper vaccine management, including 1,285 reports of foreign substances found in COVID-19 vaccines from March 2021 to October 2024 . In 127 of these cases, foreign materials such as mold and hair were identified, likely introduced during the manufacturing process . A significant number of vaccinations – 14.2 million doses – were administered with the same lot number as the contaminated vaccines, even after the foreign substances were reported .

Criminal Complaints Filed

The People’s Livelihood Countermeasure Committee has filed criminal complaints against former President Moon Jae-in, current Minister of Health and Welfare Jeong Eun-kyung (who served as the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency director during the pandemic), and former Minister of Health and Welfare Kwon Deok-cheol . The charges include dereliction of duty and abuse of power, alleging that officials ignored reports of contamination and continued to administer potentially harmful vaccines .

Calls for Minister Jeong’s Dismissal

Opposition leader Jang Dong-hyuk of the People Power Party is demanding the immediate dismissal of Health and Welfare Minister Jeong Eun-kyung, citing her responsibility for the distribution of the contaminated vaccines . He criticized her silence on the matter, given her previous role as Commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency . Members of the National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee have also called for Minister Jeong’s resignation and requested notification to those vaccinated with the affected batches .

Government Response and System Overhaul

The Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety have stated they fully accept the BAI’s audit findings and will implement corrective measures . The government plans to formulate a “Plan to Advance the Infectious Disease Crisis Management System” to address shortcomings in the COVID-19 response and prepare for future pandemics . This includes clarifying social distancing and isolation standards based on scientific evidence .

Ongoing Investigation

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not yet determined the full extent of the impact or identified all individuals who may have received contaminated vaccines. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.