Jin Joong-kwon on Yoon's 'Yongsan Relocation' Push: "Should Honor and Respect Moon... Seems Like a Provocative Attitude"

"Yoon, I don't know why he is in such a hurry... Tension is not desirable"

President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol is holding a press conference on the morning of the 20th at the Presidential Transition Committee briefing room in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, regarding the relocation of the presidential office to Yongsan. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] As President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol repeatedly emphasized his plan to relocate the presidential office to the Ministry of National Defense building in Yongsan, Seoul, former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon stated, "I don't understand why there is such a rush," and mentioned the need to slow down the pace.

On the night of the 22nd, former Professor Jin said on CBS Radio's 'Hanpan Seungbu,' "I am fundamentally in favor of relocating the Blue House. It has been a campaign promise of every administration, and many citizens would agree," adding, "The problem is that I don't understand why there is such a rush. I don't think it would be too late to proceed after careful consideration."

He continued, "Shouldn't the decision to relocate be made, and then work continue at the Blue House until the move? It took me two months to move to a villa in Yeonnam-dong, so the idea of moving the Blue House in just a month and a half is not reasonable," he pointed out.

Regarding the apparent confrontation between the Moon Jae-in administration and President-elect Yoon's side over the relocation issue, former Professor Jin said, "There are various issues raised by the Democratic Party. However, most of these issues are practical matters that can be resolved," and added, "This is not a debate about fundamental approval or disapproval. I hope the Moon administration cooperates on these matters."

He also commented on Yoon Seok-yeol's camp, saying, "I hope they show some courtesy and respect toward the president. Their attitude seems confrontational," and added, "Such a confrontational stance is not desirable."

Meanwhile, on the 21st, the Blue House raised concerns about the speed of President-elect Yoon's plan to relocate the presidential office to Yongsan before his inauguration. Park Soo-hyun, Blue House Chief of Public Communication, stated at a press conference, "There is little time left before the new government takes office, and the plan to relocate the Ministry of National Defense, Joint Chiefs of Staff, presidential office, secretariat, and security office within such a tight schedule is excessive," adding, "The government will convey these concerns to the president-elect's side and the transition committee and will make a final decision after sufficient necessary consultations."

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