'Strict, Strong, Resolute...' Changed Vocabulary and Expressions of President Moon

Changes in President Moon's Image After the COVID-19 Pandemic... Rising Government Approval Following Firm Messages

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] "Respond strongly through principled law enforcement." This is President Moon Jae-in's message regarding the Korean Medical Association's second general strike. The vocabulary and expressions President Moon uses when addressing national issues have changed. In fact, President Moon has recently been frequently using words such as strict, strong, and resolute.

There are many instances where a resolute expression is detected during the Blue House senior secretaries and aides meetings and Cabinet meetings that were made public to the media. Since entering politics, President Moon, who had shown a 'soft leadership,' has become a different person after the COVID-19 situation.

President Moon's message of strict response does not discriminate, targeting both the Medical Association and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions. A key Blue House official explained regarding the message on the doctors' general strike, "The Ministry of Health and Welfare has issued an order to commence work," adding, "The instruction was to proceed with law enforcement according to principles, including the order to commence work." Failure to comply with the order to commence work may result in criminal penalties as well as affect medical license qualifications.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Although doctors' opposition is expected, President Moon remains resolute. The approach toward the labor sector is the same. Blue House spokesperson Kang Min-seok conveyed regarding the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions' refusal to submit the list of participants for the August 15 Jonggak press conference, "President Moon said, 'There are no privileges in COVID-19 quarantine,' and instructed to 'respond strictly'." This message contains an intention to dispel criticism that the labor sector is being treated leniently.

Earlier, on the 24th, President Moon stated at the Blue House senior secretaries meeting, "The government will clearly establish the strictness of public authority as a means to protect the safety of the people and public order."

Emphasizing strict enforcement of public authority in the name of public order is a 'political rhetoric' reminiscent of past authoritarian governments. Considering President Moon's life history of participating in democratization movements since university and later working as a human rights lawyer, this is an unfamiliar appearance.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Moon's changed demeanor is not unrelated to the special circumstances of the COVID-19 situation. It reflects concerns that if 'deviant acts' threatening quarantine are not restrained, not only public safety but also the economy will be placed in a dangerous situation.

President Moon emphasized the emergency situation, saying, "This is a critical time when, with just a little negligence, the number of infections can explode anytime and anywhere," but some churches continue to defy government policies by insisting on 'in-person worship.' President Moon is seeking solutions through active measures, including meeting with church leaders to convey his requests.

There is also a view that President Moon's change in style signals the future direction of national governance. It is noteworthy that the positive evaluation rate of national governance has increased since President Moon showed a resolute image. This is why there is an analysis that the change in President Moon's style is a political move to take control of national governance.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.