In the 'Cheong Secretary Controversy,' Song Young-gil Says "Specially Appointed Public Officials Should Not Be Compared to Administrative Exam Passers"

Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is delivering a greeting at the "2021 Democratic Party of Korea·Incheon Metropolitan City Budget Policy Council" held on the afternoon of the 25th at Incheon Startup Park in Songdo International City, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Soyoung] Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, addressed the fairness controversy recently sparked by the appointment of Park Seong-min as the Blue House Youth Secretary, saying, "On the surface, criticisms can arise," but he drew a clear line by stating, "However, this is not a matter to be compared with a nine-month fixed-term public official position or passing the administrative examination."

In an interview with Yonhap News TV on the 27th, Song said, "Rather than comparing this to general or career public officials over fairness issues, it would be better to understand that President Moon Jae-in intended to closely listen to the vivid sensibilities of people in their 20s."

He evaluated Park Seong-min by saying, "He served as a leader (Supreme Council member) of the ruling party, which commands 174 members of the National Assembly, including ministers and vice ministers," and added, "He has been outspoken and honest regarding issues such as former Minister Cho Kuk’s daughter and the victims of former Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon."

He further added, "Former President Park Geun-hye appointed Lee Jun-seok as a member of the Emergency Committee when he was 26 years old."

He then explained, "From the Blue House’s perspective, the president would want to hear the vivid stories of people in their 20s, but in our country’s bureaucratic system, if appointed as an administrative officer, direct meetings are not possible," and continued, "Only at the level of a secretary can one be called frequently to ask questions."

Song urged Park Seong-min, saying, "He should prove himself with competence and show that he can speak frankly in front of the president without hesitation, reflecting the sensibilities of people in their 20s."

He expressed, "I sincerely welcome and trust Lee Jun-seok’s leadership," and added, "As a fellow party leader, I have trust in him. (Lee) has agreed to attend the ruling-opposition-government consultative body, and a schedule will be set soon. I told him I would buy dinner, so we plan to meet in early July."

Meanwhile, Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, mentioned the controversy over Park Seong-min’s appointment before the start of the round of 16 in the spokesperson selection debate battle on the same day. He said, "Recently, the Democratic Party also appointed young talents as Blue House secretaries, but I am confident that our attempt will be far superior and yield better results than theirs," and added, "Please complete it."

Earlier, on the 21st, the Blue House appointed Park Seong-min, former Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party of Korea, as the new Youth Secretary. Park’s fixed-term appointment will end in May next year, coinciding with the conclusion of the Moon Jae-in administration.

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