'Following rules would have prevented Choi scandal'

By Lee Kyung-min

Song In-sung, 71, a gastroenterology specialist at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, has been appointed as President Moon Jae-in’s doctor for the next five years. Song also served former President Roh Moo-hyun between 2003 and 2008.

Song said that if rules had been followed strictly, Choi Soon-sil, the longtime friend of former President Park Geun-hye, would not have unfettered access to enter Cheong Wa Dae to help Park with numerous medical treatments.

“The instances where outside medical personnel made frequent visits to Cheong Wa Dae without being registered on visitor logs is certainly considered out of the ordinary and out of bounds,” he said. “What had happened over the past administration is unlikely to be repeated, because following the rules would have prevented that part of the scandal involving medical issues.”

As far as the president’s health is concerned, he said maintaining mental health is as important as, and sometimes more important, than physical health.

“Being the president is an extremely demanding, highly stressful job, which is why mind control is as important as keeping to a balanced diet and doing regular exercise.”

Song said there is no perfect answer to managing stress, other than trying not to get too stressed out.

“I do not have a secret silver bullet solution to treating or managing stress,” he said. “I only ask that the President and the first family immediately let me know when they experience health issues so that I can help treat them in a timely manner. I also ask them to trust me and follow my advice.”

When asked about memorable experiences with former President Roh, he said helping him with back pain by advising frequent exercise was a success.

“Former President Roh had severe back pain in the first year of his term after he had spinal disc surgery,” Song said. “Standing for about 30 minutes was a challenge. I advised him to lift weights and do pushups so that he would strengthen core muscles around the spine. It helped greatly. I thanked him for listening to my advice.”

Song said Roh was exceptional in his ability to read a book, understand the author’s key points and explain them to others in easy words.

“When his impeachment proceedings were ongoing in 2004, I told him that he would have made a great medical professor, and he smiled. I thought he liked that compliment.”

Song will visit Moon twice a week for about an hour at his residence inside Cheong Wa Dae. He said he will talk with Moon and the first lady while having a cup of tea or watching television.

Song is the third generation of his family to have become a doctor. His son is also a doctor.