Cheong Wa Dae seems full of contradictions

Since its introduction in Korea in 1998, Viagra has become popular among men nationwide as a pill to recover their stamina. Viagra helps the erection nerves by delivering increasing amount of blood. Demand for counterfeit drugs soared and a black market for drugs expanded among men who wanted to take on erection drugs against the backdrop that doctor’s prescription was mandatory to purchase Viagra pills. In the meantime, Viagra pills are also used to prevent altitude sickness and help relieve breathing dysfunction by expanding blood vessels.

It has been reported that Cheong Wa Dae purchased 60 Viagra pills and 304 Pal Pal Tab pills, a generic version of Viagra, last December. Presidential spokesperson Jeong Yeon-kuk said, “The presidential office bought these pills in May to prevent altitude sickness during visits to three African countries, located 1,000-2,000 meters above the sea level. These pills are unwrapped.” Doctors continue to raise suspicions that Viagra is not a prescription-based drug for altitude sickness and can induce some side effects, too. “Viagra is a prescription-based drug intended for erection dysfunction,” said Viagra maker Pfizer.

When six nuclear power plants suspended operations altogether in 2013 after it was found that parts with forged test certificates had been supplied, President Park Geun-hye said, “It does not make any sense that you are wearing jacket and tie when we all have to save electricity. Cheong Wa Dae should set an example. I am not running air conditioner at all these days.” Ironically, Cheong Wa Dae has stockpiled injections for aging and beauty treatment and bought Viagra pills, even unused.

Unlike previous administrations, the Park administration has talked much about the importance of saving since the beginning. The government even invented “Policy account book,” what a cute idea, to prevent any loopholes in budget execution in order to perform 135 trillion won (114.75 billion dollars) associated policies of President Park. The central government even went further to tell a local government to stop paying monthly longevity bonus of 30,000 won (25.5 dollars) to senior citizens aged 85 years or older. At the same time, Choi Soon-sil, confidante of President Park, forced conglomerates to donate massive amount of money, very far from Park’s catchphrase of saving. As Park’s integrity has been under questions and attack, the presidential office’s explanation about Viagra seems doubtful.