Controversy Over President Moon's 'Self-Awarded' Medal... Blue House Says "Former Presidents Also"

On the 26th, when fine dust concentration reached a "bad" level due to stagnant air, Seoul's Cheongwadae appeared hazy. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in is expected to receive the Mugunghwa Grand Order, which has sparked controversy over former presidents 'self-awarding' it before his retirement. The Blue House responded by saying, "Former presidents have done this too," indicating there is no problem.

A Blue House official stated on the 15th, "The Mugunghwa Grand Order is meant to be awarded to sitting presidents, so it is only received while in office," and countered the controversy by asking, "Is it only President Moon who 'self-awarded' it?"

The Mugunghwa Grand Order is the highest order under the Awards Act, awarded to the president, allied heads of state or their spouses, or former allied heads of state who have made significant contributions to the development and security of our country. The production cost is about 68 million KRW per set, and it takes over two months to produce.

Since only presidents can receive it, the 'self-awarding' controversy has never ceased. Up to former President Kim Dae-jung, the order was received immediately upon inauguration, and before the civilian government era, the new president would wear the order and attend the inauguration ceremony.

Former President Roh Moo-hyun was the first to change the timing to the end of his term, and former President Lee Myung-bak also delayed receiving the order until early 2013, when he was finishing his term. However, former President Park Geun-hye received the Mugunghwa Grand Order on the third day of her inauguration. The Blue House stated, "It is not a violation of the law," and considers it not a major issue.

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