[The Editors' Verdict]Public Sentiment Shifts in Reverse After Four Years

"Are you saying we should hire second-rate talent instead of first-rate?"

Immediately after Han Deok-su, the Prime Minister, failed to appoint Yoon Jong-won as the Chief of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, a ruling party official reacted with anger. The persistent opposition from some members of the ruling party, represented by the so-called ‘Yoon Core Group,’ led Yoon Jong-won, the President of the Industrial Bank of Korea, to ultimately decline the position, causing dissatisfaction over the inability to utilize excellent talent and having to settle for less.

Prime Minister Han initially earmarked Yoon Jong-won, President of the Industrial Bank of Korea, for the Chief of the Office for Government Policy Coordination because he judged that Yoon had abundant administrative experience as a bureaucrat and a unique sense of participation in state affairs, having served as the Senior Secretary for Economic Affairs in the previous administration. Although Yoon was considered a somewhat tough superior due to his strict work style during his bureaucratic career, he was also highly knowledgeable and diligent in studying, striving for perfection in his work. A ruling party official said, "The Chief of the Office for Government Policy Coordination must control all government ministries, including sensitive issues like labor and environment, and Yoon was the right person for the job," adding, "Prime Minister Han also judged that there was no better candidate than Yoon." Han’s stance of "I will take responsibility" and his persistence despite opposition from the ruling party also reflected his high regard for Yoon’s capabilities.

The Chief of the Office for Government Policy Coordination primarily coordinates work between ministries. Therefore, the role requires knowledge in various fields such as finance, taxation, environment, labor, and health and welfare. Administrative competence is more demanded than political skills in this position.

The opposition from the Yoon Core Group was based on the argument that Yoon was "from the previous administration." The Presidential Office responded with, "What does the regime mean to a bureaucrat?" but their opposition was strong. Even Kwon Seong-dong, the floor leader, took the lead in opposing the appointment. Initially, they quietly conveyed their disapproval to the Presidential Office and Prime Minister Han behind the scenes, but when doubts arose within the party about Kwon’s intentions, they switched to openly criticizing the appointment. A ruling party lawmaker said, "I don’t understand why the floor leader is so determined to oppose the appointment of the Chief of the Office for Government Policy Coordination."

Thus, the opposition from the Yoon Core Group to the appointment of the Chief of the Office for Government Policy Coordination is particularly significant. Yoon Jong-won’s refusal confirmed that the Yoon Core Group can change the government and Presidential Office’s stance whenever they wish. Following their intervention in the Chief of the Office for Government Policy Coordination appointment, the Yoon Core Group recently also gently advised the Presidential Office to "make an effort" regarding the appointment of the Special Inspector General. The Presidential Office bowed its head, saying, "We will make an effort."

The local elections held just over two months after the presidential election have concluded. Voters supported the "regime stability theory." For the newly launched Yoon Seok-youl administration, the election confirmed public support. The People Power Party won in key battlegrounds such as Daejeon and Chungnam. Unlike the 2018 local elections, this time they achieved a virtual landslide victory. The reason for the support is simple: although the opposition holds a majority in the National Assembly, the public wants the government and ruling party to have the power to push forward on current issues such as pensions, labor, and public sector reform.

At the same time, the conditions for the Yoon Core Group to intervene in state affairs are expected to grow stronger than before. President Yoon’s political base is weak, and the Presidential Office is dominated by ‘neol-gong’ (career bureaucrats) rather than ‘eol-gong’ (accidental public officials) who have excellent political sensibility. Given the structure where the ruling party is likely to be outmatched politically, the Yoon Core Group’s moves must be closely watched.

Considering the Democratic Party’s complete defeat after four years, there are many cases where public opinion initially supported the ruling party at the beginning of the administration but later turned against it. Depending on the power dynamics within the Yoon Seok-youl government, the results of the general election in two years and the local elections in four years will differ. Floor leader Kwon said right after the victory, "We must be even more cautious." If they show off their power, public opinion will mercilessly judge them.

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