Yoon-Elected Team Expresses Regret Over President Moon's Remarks... "New Government Must Cooperate With New Personnel" (Update)

President Moon's Remarks Regretted for Suggesting Aide Judges President-Elect
Personnel Authority Should Be Frozen as Much as Possible

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] On the 24th, the office of President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol expressed regret over President Moon Jae-in's remark, "Do not listen to others and let the President-elect make the judgment directly." President-elect Yoon also effectively demanded a freeze on personnel appointments made by President Moon near the end of his term.

Kim Eun-hye, spokesperson for the President-elect, expressed regret toward President Moon in a written briefing that day. Spokesperson Kim stated, "It is deeply regrettable that you implied there is a problem with President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol's judgment and that aides are clouding his decision." She added, "Furthermore, given the current difficulties in the government transition, especially at a time when responding to COVID-19 and the economic crisis is urgent, it is hard to easily agree with the characterization of the meeting between the two as merely a 'friendly chat'."

Earlier, President Moon emphasized "unconditional dialogue" regarding the meeting with President-elect Yoon during a Blue House staff meeting, urging, "Let the President-elect make the judgment directly." President Moon said, "I am the outgoing president, and Yoon Seok-yeol will be the new president. When the two meet to greet each other, exchange pleasantries, and perhaps share some useful advice, what kind of negotiation is necessary?" He continued, "I have never heard that negotiations and conditions were required when a president-elect visits the president." He then requested, "Please do not listen to others and make your own judgment, President-elect."

Additionally, Spokesperson Kim raised concerns about President Moon's exercise of personnel authority, citing precedent.

She said, "The appointments being made now are for people who will work closely with the new president, not the outgoing president," and added, "It is common sense that the wishes of the president-elect should be respected." Spokesperson Kim asserted, "We will not make appointments once the next president is decided," and argued, "It has been customary and reasonable to freeze appointments after the election and cooperate so that the new government can start with new personnel and a fresh administration."

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