Kim Dong-yeon Criticizes Yoon Administration: "Lack of Vision, Leadership Crisis Intensifies"

Han Deok-su and Lee Sang-min Targeted "First Settle, Then Resign? Irresponsible Expression"

Kim Dong-yeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Kim Dong-yeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, evaluated the Yoon Seok-yeol administration's governance six months after its inauguration, stating, "There is a lack of vision regarding where the Republic of Korea is headed, and the crisis of leadership is intensifying."

Governor Kim appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' on the 18th and said, "I think we have gone through an incomprehensible and chaotic period over the past six months."

He added, "In all aspects?diplomatic issues, handling the October 29 tragedy, measures to resolve economic difficulties?what kind of Korea will we have in five years? What port is this large ship aiming for? Wasn't it an unknowable six months?"

When asked, "What score would you give President Yoon's governance?" Kim replied, "I think the approval rating has recently fallen below 30%, and I believe the people's support is the most objective score."

Governor Kim strongly criticized the government's response to the Itaewon crowd crush disaster. He said, "In terms of prevention, response, and aftermath management, it is truly shameful and represents a failure of the state and a disappearance of responsibility. I believe it seriously damaged the nation's dignity." He pointed out, "In a top 10 economy, so many citizens lost their lives, and 26 foreigners passed away. This reflects a lack of national leadership and a failure of the crisis management system."

Regarding the calls for dismissal of Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min and others, and the ruling party's emphasis on 'first recovery, then responsibility,' he said, "It is irresponsible. That expression itself hurt public sentiment. Cabinet members should show accountability regarding their positions when such incidents occur," raising his voice.

He continued, "During the Sewol ferry disaster, I was the minister-level head of the Office for Government Policy Coordination serving the Prime Minister. At that time, I told the Prime Minister, 'The situation is so serious that not only the Prime Minister's resignation but also the entire cabinet's resignation should be prepared.'" He added, "I personally know and respect Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, but considering the seriousness of the issue, it would have been much better for those at the top to voluntarily express their intention to step down for their own sake."

He emphasized, "Expressing the intention to resign does not mean immediate departure," and said, "While managing recovery efforts, showing accountability is necessary for us to find solutions to problems like the absence of the state and disappearance of responsibility."

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