Son Hak-kyu: "President Moon is out of touch with the public's views on Cho Kuk, Yoon Seok-yeol, and others"

President Moon's New Year Press Conference 'Harshly Criticized'... "In a Word, Disappointment and Concern"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Sohn Hak-kyu, leader of the Bareunmirae Party, harshly criticized President Moon Jae-in's New Year's press conference on the 15th, saying it was "simply disappointing and worrisome."

At the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that day, Sohn said, "The president's perceptions of the people's livelihood economy, real estate, inter-Korean relations, diplomacy with Japan, the Cho Kuk incident, and Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl are far removed from the thoughts of most citizens," adding, "The president's perception is either self-congratulatory or trapped in partisan logic."

He pointed out, "I had previously asked President Moon to use this press conference as an opportunity to announce a major shift in philosophy and policy. However, it was confirmed that the president's perception has not changed at all in any field and that he insists on existing policies and philosophy."

He continued, "Regarding the economy and people's livelihood, President Moon said that negative indicators have decreased and positive indicators have increased," and criticized, "This shows that President Moon still only looks at the statistical indicators he wants to see."

Sohn said, "President Moon openly showed contrasting attitudes toward former Minister Cho Kuk and Prosecutor General Yoon, who were at the core of recent national division," and stated, "This is evidence that the president is not properly reading public sentiment."

Sohn concluded, "Our people desire a major shift in philosophy and policy, but President Moon has not changed at all," and said, "I ask that he properly read public sentiment even now, give hope to the people, and inject the driving force for South Korea to move forward anew."