Im Jong-seok "Can't I Thank Moon... Slogans for Regime Judgment Are Unfair and Uncomfortable"

Im Jong-seok Leaves a Reflection on the 5-Year Achievements of the Moon Jae-in Government

Im Jong-seok, former Chief of Staff to the President at the Blue House [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] Im Jong-seok, former Chief of Staff to President Moon Jae-in, reflected on the five years of the Moon Jae-in administration, stating that "the slogan of regime judgment is unfair and uncomfortable."

On the 17th, Im posted on his Facebook, "The clock of the presidential election is ticking, and the term of the Moon Jae-in government is coming to an end," beginning his remarks.

Im explained, "We made diligent efforts to heal the intensified domestic conflicts," adding, "The early identity of the Moon Jae-in administration was set as 'patriotism and veterans affairs.' The president emphasized unity whenever possible, meaningfully observed national memorial days, and made efforts to honor national veterans."

Regarding the Moon administration's diplomacy, Im stated, "We focused on improving the deteriorated diplomatic environment and expanding diplomatic horizons anew," elaborating, "We communicated with the United States almost daily at the highest levels while also holding close consultations with China to lift the ban on Korean cultural content. We proactively pursued diplomacy with the New Southern Policy, New Middle East, and New Central Asia."

Im expressed regret that "the inter-Korean peace train stopped in Hanoi," but noted, "The Moon administration's Korea Peninsula policy was distinctive in that it aimed for substantial and direct achievements not only in inter-Korean relations but also in North Korea-US relations. This is why we invested several times more effort in the Korea-US relationship. It was an effort based on the recognition that without the patience and consent of the United States, achieving a historic transformation on the Korean Peninsula is practically impossible in the harsh international reality."

Additionally, Im evaluated the Moon administration's achievements as including responses to the climate crisis, management of the COVID-19 crisis, revival of traditional industries such as semiconductors, electronics, automobiles, steel, and shipbuilding, and strengthening competitiveness in parts and materials sectors.

However, regarding real estate policy, Im said, "It is painful and again painful." He added, "Saying it is due to the global environment is an excuse of intellectuals. The responsibility of politics is that heavy. I have nothing to say about the dream of owning a home becoming more distant, even if I had ten mouths. I only hope the government will do its best during the remaining period and, above all, that the next government will revive this precious dream."

He spoke about President Moon Jae-in, saying, "That is why Moon Jae-in accepts the given situation and works himself to death. He overworks his body so that he has no regrets," adding, "It is pitiful and regrettable to watch from the side."

He concluded, "Neither regime change nor regime re-creation is an appropriate slogan. The slogan of regime judgment is unfair and uncomfortable," and added, "The new government to be inaugurated should present its own bold vision, not as a reflector, and gain new trust from the people. Can't we say thank you and good job to the president who is working hard until the end?"

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