Yoon and Choi Sangmok at Odds: Discord Over Memo and Supplementary Budget [Political Focus]

Truth Battle Over the 'Memo' That Could Decide Yoon's Fate
Choi: "I Received It" vs. Yoon: "I Didn't Give It"
Discord Over Supplementary Budget and Medical School Expansion
Some in the Ruling Party Say, "Choi Has His Own Political Ambitions"

Sangmok Choi, Acting President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Economy and Finance. Photo by Yonhap News

There is growing attention on the background as Sangmok Choi, Acting President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Economy and Finance, and President Yoon Suk Yeol's camp have recently shown discord over major current issues. Divergent views have emerged on key topics such as the so-called "martial law memo," the formulation of an additional supplementary budget, and the expansion of medical school admissions. Choi was once regarded as the official most favored by President Yoon. However, as the December 3 Martial Law incident has escalated into a national crisis, differences in perception regarding major policy issues and points of contention have become apparent.

According to political and legal circles on January 23, a single sheet of A4 paper, referred to as a memo that President Yoon allegedly handed to Acting President Choi during a Cabinet meeting at the time of the declaration of martial law, has become a central issue in the impeachment trial and the ruling on the charge of insurrection. This memo reportedly instructed the allocation of a budget for an emergency legislative body to replace the National Assembly. If proven true, it could serve as crucial evidence not only of President Yoon's intent to undermine constitutional order but also in proving the specific intent required for the crime of insurrection.

Choi has consistently stated that he received this memo from President Yoon, whereas President Yoon initially said he "does not recall" the matter, and later, on January 21, testified before the Constitutional Court that he "never gave such a memo" to Choi. A government official close to Choi reiterated, "The Ministry of Economy and Finance's (Choi's) position is factual," directly refuting President Yoon's claim.

Choi has also expressed a somewhat different stance from the party and government regarding the supplementary budget. The presidential office maintained a passive approach toward a supplementary budget, adhering to President Yoon's fiscal conservatism until his suspension from office. However, Choi effectively initiated discussions on the supplementary budget by stating that negotiations would be possible if a bipartisan policy council was convened. Given that the Democratic Party has been proactive about a supplementary budget, Choi's remarks are seen as offering a "carrot" to the opposition. The ruling party leadership is also exercising caution, mindful that a supplementary budget could benefit the opposition in the early presidential election climate.

There has also been internal criticism from the presidential office regarding Choi's recent apology on January 10 for the medical school admission expansion policy. The expansion of medical school admissions was one of President Yoon's most vigorously pursued policies during his tenure. Except for instructions to "prevent clashes between state agencies" before and after President Yoon's arrest, Choi did not issue any official statements, which reportedly disappointed members of the ruling bloc. A ruling party official commented, "Even before President Yoon's impeachment motion, there was a perception within the party that Choi was someone with his own political ambitions."

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