United Future Party: "President's Opening Speech Lacked Apology... Fell Short of Opposition and Public Expectations"

President Moon Jae-in is attending the opening ceremony of the 21st National Assembly held at the National Assembly plenary session hall on the 16th, delivering a congratulatory opening speech. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] On the 16th, the United Future Party expressed regret regarding President Moon Jae-in's National Assembly opening speech, stating that it "did not meet the expectations of the main opposition party and the public."

United Future Party spokesperson Bae Jun-young said in a commentary that day, "The public and the National Assembly were waiting for the President's honest and candid apology not only for specific practical measures to overcome the COVID-19 crisis but also for the failures in real estate policy and North Korea policy, as well as the successive sexual crime allegations against metropolitan government heads. However, there was not a single word," he said.

Spokesperson Bae criticized, "Rather, everything sounded like it was the fault of the National Assembly and the opposition party," adding, "Regarding the ruling party's reckless actions, monopolization of standing committees, and unilateral operation of the National Assembly, the cause was described as 'a shared responsibility of all of us, including myself,' presenting a mechanical equivalence argument."

He continued, "Despite the largest supplementary budget in history being hastily passed by the majority, it was praised as a 'bold and unprecedented measure,' and even though all economic indicators are breaking records for the worst performance, the President spoke of an 'economic recovery timetable,'" adding, "He only asked for cooperation on the Korean New Deal, which many experts have concluded is ineffective."

Spokesperson Bae pointed out, "He deliberately ignored North Korea, which blew up the inter-Korean joint liaison office while talking about hostile projects; the arrogance and dogmatism of Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae, who is accelerating efforts to shake the prosecution; and the late former Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon, who was accused of sexually harassing his secretary for four years," emphasizing, "Above all, responding to the voices of the people should come first."

He expressed concern, saying, "Floor leader Joo Ho-young asked the President ten questions on behalf of the people, but the President ignored them and only spoke what he wanted, which is truly bewildering when he talks about communication," adding, "I worry that cooperation has become even more distant."

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