Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on Friday hailed the rollout of the nation´s first homegrown COVID-19 vaccine, saying that it could help South Korea ensure fair distribution of vaccines around the world.

Han made the remarks as the country´s first domestically developed COVID-19 vaccine from SK Bioscience Co. made its way to distribution sites at its plant in Andong, about 270 kilometers south of Seoul.

Han said South Korea secured "vaccine sovereignty" with the development of the homegrown vaccine.

"It can also contribute to the fair supply of vaccines in the international community where vaccine inequality continues," Han said in a statement.