"President Moon's Farewell Dinner with Retired Blue House Aides Violated Quarantine Rules" Complaint Post Emerges

A photo released by a citizen who filed a complaint claiming that President Moon Jae-in violated quarantine rules. Photo by Online Community Capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Soyoung] It has been reported that a complaint alleging 'violation of quarantine rules' was filed regarding the farewell dinner event hosted recently by President Moon Jae-in for retired Blue House secretaries.

On the 24th, a user A on the online community 'DC Inside Gallery' stated that President Moon's farewell dinner violated the 'ban on gatherings of five or more people' and filed a complaint with the Jongno District Office through the National Petition Portal.

He said, "I request that the Jongno District Office of Seoul Metropolitan City investigate the 'farewell dinner' gathering of President Moon Jae-in and four former aides within the Blue House residence, and if a violation of quarantine rules is confirmed, impose fines according to the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act."

He also certified this by sharing a screenshot of the completed complaint submission screen.

A criticized, "President Moon Jae-in, as the 'head of state' and the 'head of the national disaster control tower,' has the duty to strictly comply with quarantine rules and set an example for the public. However, having dinner with four former aides is considered highly inappropriate behavior."

He continued, "The quarantine authorities, through Q&A, define 'essential official and corporate management activities' as activities based on laws and regulations, requiring a certain number of people to meet face-to-face, with a fixed deadline that cannot be canceled or postponed."

He added, "The authorities have emphasized quarantine rules stating, 'Currently, gatherings due to work (official and essential corporate management activities) are not considered private gatherings of five or more people, but meals before or after meetings or gatherings are considered private gatherings and are prohibited.'"

He emphasized, "In other words, even if the meeting of President Moon Jae-in and four former aides at the Blue House residence is recognized as 'official business,' the 'dinner' should be judged as a 'private gathering of five or more people,' which the authorities strictly prohibit."

Regarding this, A posted again on the online community on the 25th, stating there were parts to supplement.

He said, "I would like to point out that President Moon Jae-in's violation of quarantine rules does not fall under 'immunity from prosecution.' The president has 'immunity from criminal prosecution' under Article 84 of the Constitution during the term of office, except for crimes of rebellion or insurrection."

However, A explained, "This is to maintain the status and authority of the president representing the country abroad and to ensure the smooth execution of the head of state's duties. Nevertheless, even during the term, civil and administrative prosecutions and impeachment proceedings by the National Assembly can be pursued."

He continued, "Also, criminal offenses committed during the term can be prosecuted after retirement, and since criminal prosecution is impossible during the president's term, the statute of limitations for the crime is suspended. The violation of the 'ban on gatherings of five or more people' raised by this citizen is subject to fines under Article 83, Paragraph 4, Subparagraph 1 of the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act, which is an administrative disposition."

He concluded, "Ultimately, President Moon Jae-in's violation of quarantine rules does not fall under 'immunity from prosecution,' so it is clear from a legal interpretation that he must be subject to investigation in some form."

Earlier, it was reported that on the 19th, President Moon invited four former aides?Choi Jae-sung, the recently replaced Senior Secretary for Political Affairs; Yoon Chang-ryeol, former Senior Secretary for Social Affairs; Kang Min-seok, former spokesperson; and Kim Young-sik, former Legal Secretary?to the residence for a dinner accompanied by alcohol.

Regarding this, a Jongno District official said, "It has not yet been confirmed whether a complaint has been received."

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