[Q&A] Yoon: "No Issues with Han Dong-hoon... Diverse Opinions Are Democracy"

President Yoon Holds Government Briefing and Press Conference
About 1.5 Hours of Q&A Without Prior Questions
Mentions '4+1 Reform' Details and Sensitive Issues

President Yoon Suk-yeol responded on the 29th to some criticisms suggesting that he is clashing with Han Dong-hoon, the leader of the People Power Party, over issues such as increasing medical school quotas, saying, "Would it be acceptable if the government and ruling party failed to communicate properly?" He added, "There is absolutely no problem between the party and the government, and the emergence of diverse opinions on current issues is a hallmark of liberal democracy."

President Yoon Suk-yeol is holding a 'National Briefing and Press Conference' on the morning of the 29th at the Yongsan Presidential Office building in Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the same day, President Yoon held a national briefing and press conference at the Yongsan Presidential Office to express his views on national issues. He addressed sensitive topics including the progress of the '4+1 reforms'?which add responses to low birth rates to the existing four major reforms in pensions, healthcare, education, and labor?as well as party-government conflicts, investigations into special favors for First Lady Kim Keon-hee, and appointments of New Right figures.

Regarding concerns that the government's healthcare reform might trigger a medical crisis, President Yoon said, "I believe it is possible to operate an emergency medical system until all doctors return," and emphasized, "Healthcare reform must be accomplished."

On criticisms that New Right figures are frequently appointed, he stated, "Honestly, I don't really know what New Right means," and stressed, "Our government's appointments are based on loyalty to the nation and the capability to fulfill the responsibilities of the position."

President Yoon conducted a 42-minute national briefing starting at 10 a.m. in his office, then immediately moved to the briefing room for a press conference lasting about 1 hour and 23 minutes, directly answering reporters' questions. The press conference was held in a spontaneous Q&A format without prior submission of questions.

The following are key points from the press conference Q&A

President Yoon Suk-yeol is holding a 'National Briefing and Press Conference' on the morning of the 29th at the briefing room of the Presidential Office building in Yongsan, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

- How does the government's pension reform direction differ from the plan discussed but halted in the 21st National Assembly? The current plan seems focused on reducing the burden on young people; are there measures to lessen the burden on middle-aged groups? Also, any requests for cooperation from the National Assembly?

▲ Originally, the executive branch is required to submit a comprehensive plan for pension system improvement to the National Assembly every five years around late October. Previous administrations viewed pension reform as a vote-losing issue and only submitted very thin, formal documents. Since the presidential election, I promised to provide thorough materials on pension reform that could be decided by the National Assembly within my term. Right after the government was launched, we conducted extensive public opinion surveys, focus group interviews (FGI), and actuarial analyses, submitting a massive 5,600-page report to the National Assembly last October.

The government previously submitted a comprehensive plan and will soon submit a government proposal. The plan includes not just extending the pension fund's solvency through parameter adjustments but also improving pension investment returns, introducing automatic fiscal stabilization mechanisms adopted by advanced pension countries, and differentiating the rate of increase for future generations of young people.

We pledged to raise the basic pension by 400,000 won by the end of the term and will ensure that basic livelihood benefits and basic pensions do not overlap and get cut. Retirement pensions are voluntary, so we aim to encourage as many companies as possible to adopt them to better secure retirement income. Personal pensions will be promoted through insurance companies to provide multi-layered retirement income security, with tax incentives offered. Structural reform does not mean integrating pensions with other pension schemes. I do not expect pension reform to be delayed or difficult to reach bipartisan agreement because of this.

- Currently, doctors have been absent from medical sites for several months, citing medical school quota issues. While various crisis warnings arise, the presidential office sends messages that management is well handled. Why is there such a big gap between the medical field's experience and the presidential office's message?

▲ First, the emergency medical system is operating smoothly, and doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, and related personnel on the front lines are working very devotedly. There are many fundamental problems, but those are precisely why we must pursue healthcare reform, and I believe we cannot stop because of them. Healthcare reform will likely be as difficult as labor reform, education reform, or solving the low birth rate problem. Healthcare reform means ensuring that citizens' right to life and health are fairly guaranteed without discrimination regardless of where they live in Korea. If the state does not do this, can it be called a state? The answer lies in the field and in the details. The government will work with dedicated medical staff to accomplish healthcare reform.

- As medical service gaps and public inconvenience prolong, not only the medical community but also political circles suggest finding a compromise by adjusting the scale of the 2,000 medical school quota increase rather than sticking to it.

▲ The issue of increasing the number of doctors was not unilaterally decided by us. We have held 37 meetings with medical organizations to discuss doctor quota increases and training. When asked to provide reasonable estimates of how many doctors are needed, they have never done so. The government has waited patiently. While we can somewhat improve the popularity of previously avoided fields like essential medical care, severe care, and surgery during our remaining term, training more medical personnel takes at least 10 to 15 years. Even if we start now, by 2035, there will still be a shortage of 15,000 doctors. We have no choice but to proceed.

I believe it is possible to operate the emergency medical system until all doctors return. Through the reform process, functional role-sharing among primary, secondary, and tertiary hospitals is progressing healthily. As originally intended, general hospitals based on medical schools focus on medical research and treatment of the most severe and rare diseases; secondary regional general hospitals handle surgeries, emergencies, and basic severe essential care; and mild cases are treated at nearby clinics, enabling effective role division.

Fundamentally, the shortage of emergency room doctors is the core problem. When I visit regional general hospitals or public hospitals, emergency medicine doctors are almost absent. This is not caused by healthcare reform; it has always been this way. Their treatment conditions are poor. To improve this, we need to raise medical fees. In addition to procedure fees, policy fees must be created, which we have not done so far. Now is the time for the state to step in and act.

- Recently, Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, proposed postponing the 2026 medical school quota increase, differing from the presidential office's stance. Han also opposed the reinstatement of former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyung-soo. Are you communicating properly with Han and the party?

▲ Would it be acceptable if the government and ruling party failed to communicate properly? We are communicating smoothly through various channels, and I understand that high-level party-government consultations are held regularly every weekend. Our party members and officials frequently call and visit. There is absolutely no problem between the party and government, and the emergence of diverse opinions on various issues is what liberal democracy is about.

President Yoon Suk-yeol is answering a question about medical reform during the 'National Briefing and Press Conference' held on the morning of the 29th at the Yongsan Presidential Office building in Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

- Regarding the third-party special prosecutor law proposed by Han Dong-hoon, the ruling and opposition parties are in a standoff. If the law passes by bipartisan agreement, will the president accept it or request reconsideration? Also, do you still hold the position that a special prosecutor will be appointed only if necessary after the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office investigation? Lastly, do you believe there is substance to the lobbying allegations related to former Marine Corps 1st Division Commander Im Seong-geun?

▲ Didn't we already hold a hearing on the Chae Sang-byeong special prosecutor? I briefly watched it on TV, and I think it naturally became clear there was no evidence of external pressure. At the May press conference, I said if the investigation was insufficient, I would propose a special prosecutor first. I believe the investigation into the unfortunate death of Chae Sang-byeong is proceeding well. The police conducted a thorough and lengthy investigation and released the results in a detailed report. I think the media and many citizens find it difficult to dispute the investigation results. The procedures are being conducted very strictly.

- Recently, political confrontation between the ruling and opposition parties has intensified over various issues. Could you share your thoughts on the prerequisites and methods for cooperation? Also, Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung proposed a summit meeting; do you intend to accept?

▲ It is quite difficult to give a satisfactory answer to your question. The current National Assembly situation is unlike anything I have experienced before, not only since entering politics but throughout my life. We are discussing extensively with aides in Yongsan about how to resolve this. I will think more deeply.

If a summit meeting could quickly resolve these issues, why wouldn't we do it ten times over? But first, the ruling and opposition parties need to communicate more smoothly. As president and as a citizen looking at the National Assembly with the people, whether it performs well or poorly is secondary; it must function normally. Looking at confirmation hearings and various hearings now, the National Assembly is very different from what I have seen before, so I will consider this deeply.

- Regarding the investigation into First Lady Kim Keon-hee's luxury handbags, the prosecution team concluded no charges, but Prosecutor General Lee Won-seok referred the case to the investigation review committee ex officio. There are criticisms that the investigation process does not meet public expectations. Also, when will the second secretariat be officially established?

▲ Please note that as president, I have refrained from commenting on quasi-judicial decisions or court verdicts. Regarding investigation methods, for example, when I was a prosecutor, I once went to the home of a former first lady to conduct an investigation. Investigation methods are not fixed; if a warrant is issued, forced investigation can be done, but all investigations are basically voluntary, so the method and location can be chosen considering various factors. However, I think it is appropriate not to comment on investigation decisions, especially when it concerns family matters.

The second secretariat is currently being prepared. There is no suitable place yet. For example, in foreign countries or even in the Blue House, the president's spouse has spacious space, but Yongsan lacks such space. Once a suitable location is prepared, the secretariat will begin full operations. Regarding the special inspector, I am to appoint one when the National Assembly recommends a candidate. I will appoint whoever the National Assembly decides.

- Although you said you would not make personnel changes just to change the situation, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who offered to resign immediately after the general election defeat, is still in office. Do you have plans to receive opposition party recommendations for the next prime minister or appoint opposition figures to open the way for parliamentary cooperation?

▲ Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has served as minister of economic departments, ambassador to the U.S., and prime minister, so he is performing well as prime minister. The chief of staff and senior secretary for political affairs at Yongsan told him, "Is the general election defeat your responsibility? Please continue working," but he insisted on resigning, so I reluctantly accepted his resignation. However, the prime minister must be approved by the National Assembly, and with many national issues and the upcoming autumn audit, I think the cabinet centered on Prime Minister Han will be maintained for the time being.

- Recently, Kim Yong-hyun, head of the Security Office, was nominated as Minister of National Defense, but the opposition claims he is a key figure in the investigation of Chae Sang-byeong allegations. Why was this appointment made so abruptly?

▲ The appointment of Kim Yong-hyun as Minister of National Defense was part of changes to the security line. The National Security Office chief was appointed as a foreign and security advisor, and accordingly, this was followed by the appointment. I decided to assign Chief Jang Ho-jin as a foreign and security advisor to focus intensively on strategic tasks related to core national interests. After the government was launched, the three National Security Office chiefs were diplomats, but this time we decided to bring in a defense expert, and the most suitable person is coming as Minister of National Defense.

- You have recently used the term 'anti-state forces' several times, including in the August 15 Liberation Day speech. Could you specify which groups you are referring to? Are you referring to the opposition or opposition parties?

▲ Considering the Constitution of the Republic of Korea and the identity of liberal democracy, there is a broad spectrum. However, when I occasionally mention 'anti-state forces,' I refer to those who engage in espionage, leak state secrets, or follow the North Korean regime while strongly denying the identity of the Republic of Korea. During the Korean War, when North Korean troops invaded, domestic anti-state and pro-North forces acted as collaborators, causing great hardship to our people. My remarks on August 15 were in that context. When war or attacks occur, fake news often starts online first. The Russia-Ukraine war was like that. Not everyone in Korea is 100% loyal to the Constitution and national system, so we must always be vigilant against such people to firmly protect our security and liberal democracy.

- The U.S. presidential election is just months away. Both the Democratic and Republican parties omitted denuclearization from their platforms. Does this indicate a shift in Washington's stance on denuclearization? Also, with President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida soon stepping down, how will Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation proceed?

▲ I absolutely do not believe the U.S. will tolerate North Korea's denuclearization violations or accept violations of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). That would contradict the U.S.'s longstanding position and strategy. Accepting this would mean lifting UN Security Council sanctions related to illegal nuclear development, which would collapse the global NPT system and seriously threaten nuclear security in Northeast Asia. The Korea-U.S. integrated extended deterrence is becoming stronger and operating well as our government upgrades the Korea-U.S. alliance.

The Korea-U.S.-Japan Camp David cooperation system is very important for the Indo-Pacific region and global economic and security interests, as well as for the three countries themselves. Leadership changes will not alter this, and the official diplomatic documents will continue to recognize its sustainable effectiveness.

- There are reports that Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio is scheduled to visit Korea next week. What is the significance of this visit? What expectations do you have for the new Japanese prime minister or government, given that Kishida will soon be replaced?

▲ Kishida's visit is not yet confirmed. Discussions are ongoing between the diplomatic authorities of both countries. I am always open, and if Kishida visits, I will welcome him. I have held 11 summit meetings with Kishida so far. If he visits, I will provide detailed explanations to the public afterward. Since Kishida has said he will not run in the Liberal Democratic Party leadership election, a new prime minister will likely take office in the fall. Regardless of who leads, I want to emphasize continuing cooperation and synergy between Korea and Japan for the future.

- There are criticisms that New Right figures have been appointed following the appointment of Kim Hyung-seok as director of the Independence Hall of Korea.

▲ I personally do not know Director Kim Hyung-seok. The committee recommending the Independence Hall director conducts evaluations and interviews, then recommends three candidates to the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, who selects one to propose to the president, usually ranked first, second, and third. Typically, the first-ranked candidate is proposed. I have never rejected an appointment proposed by the minister after committee review.

There has been much talk about the New Right recently. Honestly, I do not really know what New Right means because definitions vary among those who mention it. Some say it is right-wing, others say progressive right-wing, or something else. Our government's appointments are based on loyalty to the nation and capability to fulfill the position's responsibilities. We do not consider whether someone is New Right or not.

- After normalizing nuclear power policy, Korea secured a nuclear power plant contract worth 24 trillion won in the Czech Republic for the first time in 15 years. However, U.S. company Westinghouse, which was the first to be eliminated in the Czech nuclear power plant bidding, is claiming that Korea must be under U.S. government control to export nuclear power plants. Will this pose problems for future contracts?

▲ Globally, due to decarbonization efforts reducing fossil energy use, demand for nuclear power plants has surged. The global nuclear power market is estimated between 1,000 trillion and 2,000 trillion won. However, few countries can design and construct nuclear power plants. Korea started operating Kori and Wolsong plants over 40 years ago, but during the previous administration's nuclear phase-out policy, the ecosystem nearly collapsed. We are now struggling to revive it.

Competition among countries and companies over nuclear power plant contracts and orders is fierce. While the arms market is competitive, the nuclear power market is incomparable. Until the final contract is signed, even being the preferred bidder does not guarantee success. The government, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), and private companies must all work together. Do not worry too much. Many are concerned after recent media reports, but I will do my best to sign the official contract by March next year.

President Yoon Suk-yeol is answering questions from the press during the 'National Briefing and Press Conference' held at the briefing room of the Presidential Office building in Yongsan, Seoul, on the morning of the 29th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

- Recently, debt has been a major economic concern. While central banks worldwide are lowering benchmark interest rates, there are predictions that Korea cannot due to debt. How do you assess the current scale of national and household debt?

▲ Household and national debt are managed relative to GDP. Currently, Korea's national debt is just over 48% of GDP, having increased by 1.3% since our government took office. Household debt is about 2,000 trillion won; under the previous administration, it was in the high 90% range relative to GDP, and under our government, it is managed in the low 90% range. With signs of the U.S. Federal Reserve lowering interest rates, our market is starting to fluctuate. Regardless, we will manage housing loan issues through market principles by increasing supply and controlling policy interest rates.

- Despite government real estate measures, Seoul apartment prices have risen for 22 consecutive weeks. There are even talks of 'panic buying' among young generations, similar to the previous administration. How do you respond to evaluations that policy authorities missed the timing?

▲ Asset prices, including housing, should be determined by market supply and demand principles. When overheating becomes a significant economic risk, supply or demand policies should be managed to cool the market. If incomes rise and companies and personnel concentrate in the metropolitan area, causing demand pressure and price increases, there is little that can be done. In such cases, the government should increase supply. However, if redevelopment and reconstruction are deliberately halted and punitive taxation imposed, market structures distort, causing abnormal price increases, which must be avoided.

If demand is for actual use, it is acceptable, but if speculative demand drives prices up, the government will strictly increase supply. Regarding policy interest rates, we will send messages to manage them and cool overheating. We aim to control price surges through supply and demand policies, unlike the previous administration.

- You announced plans to establish a low birth rate secretary and a population strategy planning department, and the government has introduced various measures. However, no groundbreaking incentives seem to have emerged yet. How will you differentiate from previous administrations?

▲ The low birth rate and population issue is even more difficult than healthcare reform. Whoever presents a definitive solution to the low birth rate and population cliff problem would deserve about ten Nobel Prizes. But it is an issue that must be addressed. Fundamentally, the low birth rate and population problem means that families are valued less than in the past. When the population strategy planning department is launched, its minister will serve as deputy prime minister for social affairs to coordinate and oversee the work of various social ministries. In this process, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will play an important role in reminding us of the value of family, home, and community.

- Since taking office, there have been labor reform achievements such as responding to illegal strikes and disclosing union accounting books. However, population decline and labor shortages persist, and it is heartbreaking that 4 million college graduates are unemployed. What is your vision for labor reform?

▲ While capital markets have already changed to global standards, the labor market has not. Labor must also seek global standards. The most important aspect is flexibility, allowing workers freedom to choose working hours and forms. Alongside this, strong state protection must be established for unorganized workers, including social safety nets like mutual aid associations.

- Under the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, glocal universities have been designated to enhance competitiveness and innovation of regional universities. While this is welcome for regional universities struggling with declining student populations, universities excluded from glocal designation feel anxious. Are there supplementary measures or other support policies?

▲ Yes. Education reform includes a national responsibility care and education system for children, digital education for middle and high school students, activation of technical and vocational education to reduce the need for university attendance, and strengthening links with industry. Universities pursue academic convergence and flexibility by breaking down barriers between majors. In higher education, the Ministry of Education has delegated significant financial and administrative authority to local governments. The minister's power has diminished compared to the past because authority has been given to provincial governors.

Due to budget constraints, about 10 universities per year, totaling 30 over three years, or about 10% of all universities, will be designated as glocal universities. This is not limited to one university; two or three universities may be linked. So there will be opportunities. However, not all can be supported. There are also pre-designated schools, and through competition among universities, regional industries will be revitalized. Even universities not designated as glocal can gain momentum through various support measures.

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