Outgoing Park Jiwon's Reflection: "Hwaejajeongri, Meeting Means Parting and Leaving"

A post Director Park Ji-won of the National Intelligence Service uploaded on Facebook on the 24th./Screenshot from Director Park's Facebook

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Ju-hee] Park Ji-won, who is stepping down as the head of the National Intelligence Service (NIS) with the end of President Moon Jae-in's term, shared his feelings ahead of his retirement.

On the 24th, Park posted on Facebook, "Starting the day after tomorrow, Tuesday (the 26th), four puppies born to my Jindo dog Jinsuni will leave their mom and dad," along with a photo of his grandchild and the dogs playing on the lawn.

Park said, "Although the adoption period has already passed, my grandchild wanted to spend one more week together, and I also felt reluctant to part ways, so we spent the weekend playing together," adding, "Now, it's time to let them go for their mother Jinsuni."

He continued, "Hoejajeongri (會者定離)! Those who meet must part. This is how we leave and say goodbye." This is interpreted as him reflecting on his feelings at the time of his retirement by likening it to the saying Hoejajeongri. In the comments of the post, Park also wrote, "We must start meeting again."

Park, who entered politics through the late former President Kim Dae-jung, served as Blue House Senior Secretary for Public Relations and Policy Planning, Minister of Culture and Tourism, and Chief of the Presidential Secretariat during the Kim Dae-jung administration. He was a member of the National Assembly in its 14th, 18th, 19th, and 20th sessions. In July 2020, he was appointed as the head of the NIS under the Moon Jae-in administration.

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