Transition Team's 'Ministry of National Defense' On-Site Inspection... "Full Operation 24/7 for 20 Days to Remove Equipment"

Ministry of National Defense Expresses Concern Over Work Gap to Transition Team
Transition Team: "We Will Make Decisions Considering Everything"

Vice Chairman Kwon Young-se of the Presidential Transition Committee and other committee members are touring the Ministry of National Defense building in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, the candidate site for the new president's office, on the afternoon of the 18th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Presidential Transition Committee conducted an on-site inspection of the Yongsan Ministry of National Defense building, a leading candidate for the Blue House relocation, on the 18th. The Ministry of National Defense informed the committee that "due to the building's characteristics, moving out 10 floors would require 24-hour full operation for 20 days," and expressed concerns that "it is difficult to find available space, which may cause work delays."

According to the Transition Committee, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. that day, Vice Chairman Kwon Young-se, Planning Chairman Won Hee-ryong, Blue House Relocation Task Force Leader Yoon Han-hong, and members of the Foreign Affairs and Security Subcommittee and Planning and Coordination Subcommittee conducted on-site inspections of the Gwanghwamun Ministry of Foreign Affairs building and the Yongsan Ministry of National Defense building.

Transition Committee officials directly examined the structure and current status of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of National Defense buildings and received briefings on the surrounding conditions.

The committee stated, "The transition committee members will compile opinions on the pros and cons of the two buildings shortlisted as candidates for the Blue House office relocation and report to President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol soon," adding that "President-elect Yoon plans to listen to the comprehensive opinions of the transition committee members and make a final decision regarding the Blue House relocation."

Regarding the Ministry of National Defense building, which is considered the most likely candidate for relocation, there are significant concerns about relocation costs, security gaps, and opposition from nearby merchants.

Vice Chairman Kwon Young-se of the Presidential Transition Committee and other committee members are touring the Ministry of National Defense building in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, the candidate site for the new president's office, on the afternoon of the 18th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Vice Chairman Kwon, while inspecting the Ministry of National Defense building, responded to a reporter's question asking, "Isn't this a predetermined, showy procedure?" by saying, "It is very disrespectful to say it like that." When asked about concerns over security gaps if the Ministry of National Defense relocates amid North Korea's missile and nuclear test threats, he replied, "Of course, that will be considered in the decision."

A Ministry of National Defense official told the Transition Committee during the on-site inspection that "finding available space for the entire Ministry to relocate is a challenge," adding, "If we end up using buildings that were not previously in use, inconvenience and work delays are expected."

He also explained, "After consulting with a moving company, we received a rough estimate that since the building structure does not allow for ladder trucks, it would require around 20 days of 24-hour operation to move the volume of goods."

The timing of President-elect Yoon's final decision on the candidate site is still unknown. On the morning of the same day, spokesperson Kim Eun-hye said, "We aim to return daily life to the people before the spring flowers fall and to allow them to enjoy a beautiful walk along the Blue House trails as they recover their everyday lives."

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