Lee Cheol-hee "If Moon's approval rating is properly evaluated, it would be 50%... 40% range is disappointing"

President Moon Jae-in delivered a congratulatory video message at the completion ceremony of the Edison Motors factory, a Gunsan-type job project in Jeonbuk, held at the Blue House on the 19th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Soyoung] Lee Cheol-hee, Senior Secretary for Political Affairs at the Blue House, recently commented on President Moon Jae-in's approval rating, which is currently in the 40% range according to recent polls, saying it is "a bit disappointing" and expressing his view that "if properly evaluated now, it would probably be around 50%."

In an interview video released on the YouTube channel 'SBS Issue Bla' on the 24th, Lee said, "I think it is about time for a president in Korean political history to leave office with a 40% approval rating and applause," adding, "If that happens, especially as a Senior Secretary for Political Affairs, it would be a great honor. I have a strong desire to try."

He conveyed that President Moon expressed regret over the government's initial delay in securing vaccines, stating, "President Moon said, 'We did well with quarantine, so if we had hurried the vaccines earlier, it would have been a perfect score,' and he expressed regret about that part."

He continued, "(Personally,) although vaccine development was somewhat uncertain, I wish we had put everything aside and hurried more at that time. On the other hand, if you look at it differently, I think it was possible because we had some leeway as a result of thoroughly succeeding in quarantine."

Regarding the decision to grant parole to Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, he said, "Presumably, considering his background as a human rights lawyer and other factors, if the president had been given 'free hand' authority, meaning he could do as he pleased, a different decision would have been made than the current parole decision."

He added, "However, as someone in the president's position who must also consider the economy and the voices of the majority of the public asking for parole, I think there are times when one must make decisions different from their own convictions," and "Although President Moon was not involved in the decision, I believe he must have felt somewhat conflicted about such matters."

On the afternoon of April 19, Lee Cheol-hee, Senior Secretary for Political Affairs, is giving a greeting at the Chief Presidential Secretary and Aide Meeting held at the Blue House. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl and former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung running as presidential candidates, he evaluated, "I told them not to do balanced or code-based appointments, but this is a case that raises the question of whether that is necessarily the answer."

On the timing of the holding of the permanent consultative body between the ruling and opposition parties and the government, which drew attention due to the meeting between Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, and President Moon, he said, "There is still no agreement between the ruling and opposition parties," adding, "We are waiting. I hope it can be held within August."

When the interviewer mentioned that there might be regrets about inter-Korean relations, he responded, "I think we can take considerable pride," adding, "Strong security and firm peace are achievements. It is very regrettable and truly upsetting that there was potential to go further, but I still think what has been done so far is very well done."

Meanwhile, when asked about his future plans after completing his term, Lee said, "I have no intention of running for any elected office and will not do so. I also will not take any appointed positions," adding, "For now, I just want to rest a bit."

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