Do Je-hae edits news stories as part of the AI team.
COVID-19 dominates Moon's anniversary speech
Reporters have their temperatures taken before entering Chunchugwan, Cheong Wa Dae's press center, Sunday, for President Moon Jae-in's special address marking the third year of his presidency. Yonhap
By Do Je-hae
Diplomacy takes back seat in address to mark third year
By Do Je-hae
There are some noticeable changes in President Moon's third-year anniversary speech in comparison to an exclusive interview with KBS a year ago to mark his second year in office.
Last year, the presidential office opted for a one-on-one interview at Cheong Wa Dae with the national broadcaster for sharing the President's in-depth views about various items of his core agenda. The interview touched on a wide range of topics, including the reform of the judiciary, which had been one of his priorities since day one in office. There was also almost no mention of policy goals such as the balanced regional development, which is also something that has been cherished by liberal administrations.
About 80 percent of his third anniversary speech at Cheong Wa Dae's press center of Chunchugwan was related to the economy and there was very little mention of anything else.
The limited choice of topics in Moon's third-anniversary speech is seen to reflect Moon's strong determination to direct all of his energy and attention to the economy and jobs, issues that have become even more urgent in the COVID-19 era. Topics such as judiciary reform were left out completely. His push for judiciary reform by appointing his controversial former aide Cho Kuk as justice minister backfired last year, resulting in a huge public division over his administration.
'DNA for overcoming national crisis'
Entering the waning phase of his presidency, Moon's speech seemed somewhat more subdued than on previous occasions. But nonetheless, he tried to remind the Korean public that they have what it takes to overcome the difficulties from COVID-19, saying they have the “DNA” for tackling national hardships. “I believe in our people who have in their DNA the ability to overcome a crisis. The government, along with the people, will also set an example for the world with how we overcome this economic crisis.”
President Moon's key aides listen to the presidential address on Sunday at Cheong Wa Dae. From right, policy chief Kim Sang-jo, National Security Adviser Chung Eui-yong, center, and Presidential Chief of Staff Noh Young-min. Yonhap
When not talking about the economy, Moon mentioned some of the changes his administration will initiate to improve the nation's capacity to deal with the current and any future epidemics.
“The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will be upgraded to the Disease Control and Prevention Administration to strengthen its expertise and independence,” Moon said. “It will be staffed with more professionals, and a local epidemic response system will be established to make up for any insufficient provincial capabilities. With the National Assembly's approval, we will establish a system for two vice ministers within the Ministry of Health and Welfare. We will also push to establish hospitals specialized in treating infectious diseases and a national infectious disease research center. In addition, we will significantly enhance our public healthcare system and ability to respond to infectious diseases to build a safer Republic of Korea.”
Another glaring omission in the speech was in relation to how he will work with the opposition amid the rising fears of his powerful ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) which will hold a dominant number of seats in the 21st National Assembly.
Presidential visit to Chunchugwan
Moon's visit to Chunchugwan was his sixth since assuming office. “The President wanted to come to the press center for this occasion as it is an opportunity to communicate with the people,” a presidential aide said last week.
Moon has promised to visit the press center, which is situated far from his office, as often as he can. The first time he did so was when he announced his nomination for Lee Nak-yon as his first prime minister and Im Jong-seok as his first chief of staff on May 10, 2017. The last time he came to Chunchugwan was when he announced the nomination for Lee's successor Chung Sye-kyun in December 2019.
Initially, the President was going to deliver the speech only and not take questions. But a 10-minute Q&A session was arranged at the last minute. The session was rather short considering the significance of the anniversary of his presidency, particularly amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
It took longer than usual for him to enter the press room because of precautionary measures against COVID-19. Reporters had their temperatures taken and had to fill out a questionnaire about their medical history before entering the press room.
Reporters were also seated at a distance from one another to adhere to social distancing rules.