Doorstepping Stopped by President Yoon, Strengthening SNS as an Alternative

Prolonged Suspension of Doorstepping Grows
Limitations in SNS Communication Effectiveness and Symbolism

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] The Presidential Office plans to fill the communication gap that may arise from the suspension of President Yoon Seok-yeol's brief Q&A sessions on his way to work (doorstepping) through social networking services (SNS). The possibility of a prolonged suspension of doorstepping has increased.

A senior official from the Presidential Office told Asia Economy on the 23rd, "Given the current atmosphere, we cannot restart doorstepping," adding, "We will expand communication with the public through President Yoon's SNS accounts." The official also conveyed, "It seems that President Yoon is very disheartened by this incident."

The Presidential Office's choice to communicate via President Yoon's SNS stems from the recognition that doorstepping cannot be held until measures to prevent recurrence are established following the protest question from an MBC reporter and the verbal confrontation with the Public Relations Planning Secretary on the 18th. Another senior official said, "It seems to be a matter of whether doorstepping can be conducted appropriately and sustainably according to its purpose and intent," adding, "If such incidents repeat or cause confusion, it would be better not to hold it at all."

Since his inauguration, President Yoon has used his Facebook account to send congratulatory messages to filmmakers and athletes, announce important events such as overseas visits and summits, and share his thoughts and future plans immediately after disasters or accidents. Recently, he has been delivering diplomatic messages through Twitter during summits. The Presidential Office is also considering expanding official briefings in addition to President Yoon's SNS activities.

However, there are voices calling for the resumption of doorstepping, which President Yoon used to conduct about 2 to 4 times a week, as one-way communication represented by SNS use or indirect delivery through briefings have limitations in communication effectiveness and symbolism. Tae Young-ho, a member of the People Power Party, stated the day before, "This is to break the old practices of the Blue House and communicate with the people. I believe the people's right to know and democracy have advanced a step," expressing the view that doorstepping should be resumed.

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