[2020 National Audit] Joseon Research Institute Director: "I Do Not Agree with Criticism of Lee Jae-myung for 'Political Intervention'"

October 19 Political Affairs Committee Audit... Kim Yuchan "I Do Not Agree with Criticism That It Was Released for Political Intervention"

Kim Yu-chan, President of the Korea Institute of Public Finance. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] "(Do you agree that Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung released a local currency research report to intervene politically?)" (Seong Il-jong, People Power Party lawmaker) "I do not agree." (Kim Yuchan, President of the Korea Institute of Public Finance)

On the 19th, during the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee audit, President Kim explained that the Korea Institute of Public Finance's local currency research results were not released for political purposes.

Lawmaker Seong asked, "Governor Lee was criticized for releasing a research report on local currency from the Korea Institute of Public Finance to protect large retail conglomerates and credit card companies suffering sales damage. Do you agree that it was released to intervene politically?"

President Kim replied, "I do not agree."

Lawmaker Seong asked, "The research content covers local currency from 2010 to 2018, before the Moon Jae-in administration fully implemented local currency. Is it correct that the 2019 data was published in 2021?"

President Kim said, "Yes. All research is based on past data to provide implications for future policies."

Lawmaker Seong questioned, "However, Governor Lee attacked the research content without having the 2019 and 2020 data. Shouldn't he understand the content before attacking it?"

President Kim answered, "Yes. Your point is correct."

Lawmaker Seong asked, "Do you agree that the institute should be strictly reprimanded?"

President Kim said, "I do not agree."

Members of the ruling party also raised questions about the Korea Institute of Public Finance's research report.

Kim Han-jung, a Democratic Party lawmaker, pointed out, "The research was initiated in September last year and reported in September this year. The controversy arises because the Korea Institute of Public Finance conducted this research at this particular time with such conclusions."

He continued, "What are the criteria for selecting ad hoc research projects? Does the president get involved in the research process?"

President Kim replied, "I am involved."

Lawmaker Kim asked, "Was the research topic proposed by the president when handling it as an ad hoc project?"

President Kim answered, "The researcher proposed it."

Lawmaker Kim questioned, "The research conclusion states that 'local currency, even if carried, does not significantly help the national economy' and 'it is selectively applied to revitalize the local economy, and its effectiveness is doubtful.' Why is this being used for media play as a 'Tax and Finance Brief'?"

President Kim said, "I want to address two points. Regarding the issue you pointed out... I suddenly cannot recall, sorry."

When Chairman Yoon Kwan-seok of the Political Affairs Committee requested an answer, President Kim said, "I cannot recall now, so I will respond later."

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