Jin Joong-kwon Targets Jang Je-won: "BOJ Governor Nomination Is Moon's Authority... Not a Matter for Dispute"

"Moon's Consideration for the Next Government"

Former Dongyang University Professor Jin Joong-kwon Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kang Woo-seok] Former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon expressed puzzlement over the opposition from Jang Je-won, the chief of staff to President-elect Yoon, regarding the Blue House's nomination of the Bank of Korea governor candidate, saying, "I wonder if this is really a matter to quarrel about."

On the 23rd, on CBS Radio's 'One Round Match,' former professor Jin said, "(The appointment of the Bank of Korea governor) is formally the president's authority," adding, "It seems like an unnecessary dispute. If the person himself seems good, and if he directly called President-elect Yoon to confirm his intention, then there should be no issue."

He continued, "Since (President Moon Jae-in's) term is almost over, I think they asked for the opinion of the next administration (President-elect Yoon's side) as a courtesy," and said, "The president showed consideration, and if the person appointed through that consideration is someone they also find acceptable, I don't see what the problem is. Twisting the issue itself, as I pointed out yesterday, feels like they are constantly looking for trouble," criticizing the situation.

Earlier that day, the Blue House nominated Lee Chang-yong, Director of the Asia-Pacific Department at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as the new candidate for the Bank of Korea governor. The Blue House stated that it had gathered opinions from President-elect Yoon's side during the process, but Chief of Staff Jang immediately refuted this, saying there was no consultation.

Chief of Staff Jang said in front of reporters at the Presidential Transition Committee office in Tongui-dong, "When Cheol-hee Lee, Senior Secretary for Political Affairs at the Blue House, asked, 'How about Lee Chang-yong?' I just said, 'He is a good person,' and that was it," adding, "There was no consultation or recommendation."

He added, "Ten minutes before the (Bank of Korea governor appointment) announcement, I received a call from the Blue House saying they were going to announce it, and I laughed, saying, 'What are you talking about?' They tried to announce it unilaterally, so I said, 'Do as you please.'"

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