Park Suhyun: "Moon's 'Lenient Response' Remark Means Accepting Criticism as Military Commander-in-Chief"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Regarding President Moon Jae-in's criticism of the Ministry of National Defense's "lax response" to the large-scale COVID-19 outbreak in the Cheonghae Unit, Park Soo-hyun, Senior Secretary for Public Communication at the Blue House, explained that "it is a statement that the Commander-in-Chief of the military humbly accepts the criticism."

On the afternoon of the 20th, Park appeared on Yonhap News TV's 'Issue Watch' and said, "President Moon also said that the Ministry of National Defense was lax for not predicting this problem more proactively, but ultimately, it should be understood as the Commander-in-Chief, the President, humbly accepting the criticism."

This appears to be in response to criticism that President Moon's remarks, pointing out the military's lax response and stating that criticism should be humbly accepted, were an example of 'disembodied rhetoric.'

Park mentioned that President Moon, upon receiving the report on the Cheonghae Unit's confirmed cases, immediately ordered the dispatch of an aerial refueling transport aircraft, emphasizing, "Measures are being taken for what has already happened, and we are closely inspecting to prevent (COVID-19 infections) among other overseas deployed soldiers."

Regarding the cancellation of the visit to Japan and the summit the previous day, and concerns about bilateral relations, he said, "It was not a breakdown or collapse without any achievements, but rather, a very friendly atmosphere was maintained, and a considerable level of agreement was reached to develop bilateral relations," adding, "The interests of both countries have come close, and if practical coordination and relations continue on that foundation, both countries will reach a satisfactory conclusion."

When asked whether the main cause of the visit cancellation was Soma Ambassador's "inappropriate remarks" or the "outcome" of the summit, Park replied, "Both had an impact," explaining, "The outcome is essential, but due to the unfortunate incident that emerged at the end, the atmosphere at the Blue House became skeptical."

Regarding Ambassador Soma's inappropriate remarks, the Japanese side has only expressed regret through the Chief Cabinet Secretary without official disciplinary action. Park said, "The Chief Cabinet Secretary's response was fundamental," adding, "We cannot ignore the sentiment of our people, and the fundamental response is unacceptable to explain that part (the inappropriate remarks) to the public."

Some view that with both South Korea and Japan entering election mode, improving relations has become practically difficult. In response, Park emphasized, "There will be a South Korea-U.S.-Japan Deputy Foreign Ministers' meeting tomorrow, and a South Korea-Japan Foreign Ministers' meeting is scheduled for August, so discussions at various levels will continue," adding, "President Moon showed his will to 'continue working-level talks,' and Prime Minister Suga also expressed his intention to strive for constructive restoration of South Korea-Japan relations," highlighting that there is room for consultation.

He added, "Although both countries are in an election phase, that is precisely why the restoration of South Korea-Japan relations is a more urgent topic," and said, "Politicians should see this as a task to resolve even because of the election phase, which may give momentum to the process."

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