Passport-Related Political Risks, Cheong's 'Silent Inside Story'

Cheong, Recognizes Opposition's Political Offensive Criticizing Minister Choo Mi-ae's Son... President Moon Emphasizes "Fantastic" Ruling Party-Government Relations and Unity

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] "There was no mention whatsoever regarding Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae's son." A Blue House official said this on the 9th about the meeting between President Moon Jae-in and Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the ruling Democratic Party. While the political circles in Yeouido, centered on the People Power Party, are focusing intensively on the issue of Minister Choo's son, the Blue House continues to maintain a 'silence mode.'

Although some in the political sphere are mentioning the possibility of Minister Choo's dismissal, the Blue House's stance is said to be different. President Moon's personnel style is far from the so-called 'scapegoating' personnel changes aimed at turning the tide. It means that even if someone entrusted with a task is under suspicion and ultimately burdens public opinion, replacing the person is not chosen as a solution.

The Blue House's stance also differs from that during former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk's time. This flow in the Blue House views the current controversy as a political offensive. There is a perception that as Minister Choo led prosecutorial reform, the level of attacks against him has intensified as a backlash.

The view of Cheongwadae from Namsan, Seoul on the 11th. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

It is also noteworthy that President Moon gave a favorable evaluation of the relationship with the ruling party. At the meeting with Leader Lee and other ruling party leaders, President Moon said, "The current relationship between the party and the government is almost fantastic, so to speak, and I consider it a very good relationship." Considering President Moon's usual expressions, the word 'fantastic' is an extraordinary compliment that is rarely heard. There is also speculation that this is a political move to emphasize the ruling party's unity.

The problem is that the political risks originating from the ruling party do not seem likely to subside easily. The issue of Minister Choo's son could become a variable not only in the opposition party's response but also in the prosecution's investigation. The recent controversy over remarks by Democratic Party lawmaker Yoon Young-chan, which heated up the political circles, also brought political risks to the Blue House. As a ruling party lawmaker who was formerly the head of the Office of Public Communication became embroiled in allegations of external pressure on portal sites, communication breakdowns have also spilled over to the Blue House side.

Leader Lee Nak-yeon's move to 'issue a stern warning' and attempt damage control is not unrelated to this. Ultimately, Lawmaker Yoon also expressed remorse, saying, "I will take this incident as a great lesson and engrave the weight of every word and every step of action."

Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae is arriving at the Government Complex Gwacheon on the 10th. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

If political setbacks continue, they accumulate like clothes getting wet in a drizzle, eventually negatively affecting public opinion. In fact, some opinion polls have shown a simultaneous decline in President Moon's approval rating and the ruling party's support rate. If the political situation is not turned around before the Chuseok holiday, the political burden could increase further.

The Blue House's preparation of urgent measures for the recovery of the people's economy through the 8th Emergency Economic Meeting on the 10th is also not unrelated to this. It is said to be a political move to shift the flow of the political situation, dominated by issues such as the controversy over Minister Choo's son, to livelihood issues.

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