By Lee Kyung-min
Expectations are high, Thursday, on President Moon Jae-in to prioritize listening to the public over railroading through the political agenda. This seems important as the public considers it the most crucial and urgent task for a leader who runs the most powerful office in the country for the next five years.
Moon faces calls to adopt a markedly different approach from his predecessor Park Geun-hye. Park’s seclusion inside Cheong Wa Dae triggered public outrage over her inability and unwillingness to communicate with the public. Park, marked by what many conclude “willful incompetence,” set a new example of what not to do as a leader.
Fully aware of the cause of her downfall, Moon said he would lead the country based on post-authoritarian integration and communication.
Moon announced his new key aides, Wednesday, including chief of staff Im Jong-seok, and head of the National Intelligence Service Suh Hoon. He designated South Jeolla Province Gov. Lee Nak-yon as the new prime minister.
Before the press briefing, he asked for understanding from the journalists as he had to spend time thanking people on his way there. He said that he initially waved at the people from inside the car, but later got out of the car to shake hands and hug the supporters.
Moon concluded the press briefing by saying, “I, the president, will hold press briefings to address the public directly and deliver messages on important issues.” This indicated his willingness to keep his pledge to become a “listening” president.
Moon also said he would become the president “for all,” signifying his willingness to listen to the voices not only from his supporters but also from those who opposed him.
“Those who did not vote for me are still citizens of this country. I will serve them just the same as I would my supporters,” he added.
The prime minister nominee Lee Nak-yon, the former journalist and four-term lawmaker, is widely thought of as someone who is well-rounded and down-to-earth.
Lee held a press briefing, Thursday, and said he would play a key role in strengthening the new government's communication with citizens.
“I will have a drink of makgeolli (traditional Korean rice wine) with the lawmakers of all the parties,” he said.
“I believe the lawmakers regardless of their party affiliations will be able to narrow the ideological gap and reach a compromise on policies. Rather than focusing on divisive issues, we could make efforts in finding common ground,” he added.
The second-in-command-to-be also said he is willing to meet the public to hear about their daily struggles.
“I think this administration will be the one that is most sympathetic to public opinion. My health permitting, I will have drinks with the people and listen to them,” he said.
His comments are in line with Moon’s earlier pledge that he would have a drink with people going home after work near Gwanghwamun Square, a key strategy to differentiate himself from former President Park.
Moon also recruited Yoon Young-chan, former vice president of the internet portal Naver, as press secretary.
The former journalists at DongA Ilbo won the support of the younger campaign workers that pitched new ideas that could appeal to the young voters.
Rather than sticking to what he has known best, Yoon was always open to listening to ideas, without pre-judging the quality of them.
Yoon is considered another example of Moon’s policy to make his administration a “listening” body, rather than ordering and expecting subordinates to follow without questions.