Ministries overshadowed by Cheong Wa Dae (reporter's notebook)

Kim Hyun-chong, second deputy chief of the presidential National Security Office (NSO), speaks to reporters at Incheon International Airport, Sunday, after returning from Washington, D.C. Yonhap

By Do Je-hae

The presidential office has often faced criticisms that it is monopolizing diplomacy while not giving enough authority to relevant ministries. Such was the case particularly with North Korea negotiations, with presidential aides like Chung Eui-yong, head of the National Security Office, undertaking a prominent role in place of ministers.

Cheong Wa Dae is taking a similarly aggressive approach in dealing with the hottest diplomatic issue ― the deepening trade feud with Japan. The approach was once again displayed in Moon's recent decision to send Kim Hyun-chong, second deputy chief of the presidential National Security Office (NSO), to the U.S. to meet with trade officials there even before bilateral negotiations with Japan.

Kim's s trip was not entirely without success in that he gained assurance from Washington on the importance of Korea-U.S.-Japan trilateral cooperation. However, some Koreans viewed the visit as hasty and unproductive. Kim later admitted he did not use the word “mediation” while in Washington. This is probably due to the U.S.' obvious lack of enthusiasm to intervene in the issue as seen in the cursory statements during and after his visit.

Upon returning to Seoul, the former trade minister stressed the positive outcomes of his visit, saying Washington “strongly” agreed with South Korea's position on Tokyo's export sanctions against Seoul. “They all showed concerns about the impact on Northeast Asia's security cooperation,” Kim told reporters at Incheon International Airport, Sunday. But some doubts over the usefulness of Kim's visit were raised particularly when it was reported that the U.S. showed no immediate intention to mediate in the Korea-Japan row. It had to be somewhat embarrassing for Seoul when U.S. Ambassador Harry Harris reportedly told a Korean opposition lawmaker that now was not the right time for the U.S. to intervene.

There are also criticisms that the President was rushing toward intervention by a third party when Korea and Japan have yet to enter bilateral negotiations to resolve the issue in earnest. Depending on overseas powers for resolving a bilateral issue, particularly the current trade row which is rooted in a complex Korea-Japan historical dispute, is not befitting of Korea's international standing economically or diplomatically.

Given Kim's background as two-time trade minister and a Samsung legal chief, there is no doubt he is one of the most capable international negotiators in the Moon administration. The President is right to make full use of such a rare asset at this critical situation. In contrast to Cheong Wa Dae's activeness, however, relevant ministries are looking more and more lethargic amid a growing trade war with one of the nation's closest neighbors and an indispensable economic partner.

Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha took off for a tour of Africa while Kim was in the U.S. trying to get their attention on the Korea-Japan trade spat. The foreign ministry explained that the tour had been planned for some time, but her visit left many wondering whether the ministry is really doing its job in a time of diplomatic crisis. It could be more effective for the ministries involved to make better use of their knowhow and networks.