Yi Whan-woo is a Korea Times journalist primarily covering finance. He writes in-depth articles on macroeconomy and financial markets and previously covered sports, politics, diplomacy and inter-Korean affairs, among others. Feel free to contact him at yistory@koreatimes.co.kr.
Opposition hits President over lack of sincerity
President Park Geun-hye speaks during her New Year press conference at Cheong Wa Dae, Monday. This year, the presidential office removed tables from the conference room and set up only chairs to close the distance between the President and reporters. / Yonhap
By Yi Whan-woo
By Yi Whan-woo
The main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy (NPAD) criticized President Park Geun-hye for not communicating well with the people in her New Year press conference at Cheong Wa Dae Monday.
The NPAD claimed Park showed no will for government reform, including a Cabinet reshuffle, over which she faced public criticism during the first two years of her five-year presidential term.
“The press conference hinted at despair and the lack of communication this year,” NPAD spokesman Yoo Ki-hong said in a press release. “We were especially dumbfounded when Park said she actively engaged in communication with the public.”
According to Yoo, the party was “extremely disappointed” because Park did not make a sincere apology for alleged interference in state affairs by her former aide, Jeong Yun-hoe. The scandal rocked the country in November when Cheong Wa Dae’s internal memoranda that dealt with the issue was leaked to the media.
Yoo said Park shocked many with her statement that she will not replace presidential Chief of Staff Kim Ki-choon for the time being, although he has been blamed for wielding power excessively.
The NPAD spokesman added Park’s decision to keep three disputed Cheong Wa Dae officials whom Jeong allegedly manipulated would deepen public disappointment toward her. The trio are Lee Jae-man, secretary for administrative affairs; and Jeong Ho-sung and An Bong-geun, two personnel secretaries to the President. Jeong allegedly received briefings on state affairs, although he does not hold any position at the presidential office.
“The media, opposition and even the ruling party asked for the reshuffle on her aides when the scandal hit the nation last year,” Yoo stated. “Her decision is seen as a rejection of the people’s demand and I speculate they will fall into despair.”
The NPAD also said her plan for economic recovery is not fully focused on supporting people who are in financial risk or bankruptcy. They are farmers, self-employers, non-regular workers and low-income employees.
“They suffer under a series of free trade agreements and policies that are aimed at nurturing family-owned conglomerates,” it said. “We throw a question whether the President understands the painful situation they face.”
The Saenuri Party said the President “mapped out a blueprint to bring hope for the people.
“We could see she is trying to make a new start following the scandal last year, over which she showed sincere apology and agony,” it said in a press release.