청 "Bolton Memoirs Contain Significant Distortions"... Jung Eui-yong's Position Delivered to US NSC (Comprehensive)

Yoon Do-han, Chief of National Communication, Criticizes Bolton Memoir... "Former Bolton Aide Exhibits Inappropriate Behavior Lacking Basic Decorum"

[Asia Economy reporters Ryu Jeong-min and Son Seon-hee] The Blue House stated that John Bolton, former U.S. National Security Advisor at the White House, has significantly distorted many facts in his 'memoir.' The Blue House conveyed the views of National Security Office Director Chung Eui-yong, which are based on these contents, to the U.S. NSC last night.

Yoon Do-han, Blue House Senior Secretary for Public Communication, said at a Chuncheon Press Center briefing on the morning of the 22nd, "National Security Office Director Chung Eui-yong expressed the following position regarding former White House National Security Advisor John Bolton's memoir," adding, "Bolton revealed his perspective on the consultations between the leaders of South Korea, the United States, and North Korea in his memoir."

Yoon said, "It does not reflect accurate facts. Moreover, it greatly distorts many facts. Unilaterally disclosing the contents of consultations based on mutual trust between governments violates the basic principles of diplomacy," and conveyed Director Chung's opinion that "this could seriously damage the trust in future negotiations. We expect the U.S. government to take appropriate measures to prevent such dangerous cases."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Director Chung's opinion was delivered to the U.S. NSC on the evening of the 21st. Yoon criticized, "Distorting the sincere and constructive consultations between the South Korean and U.S. leaders regarding peace on the Korean Peninsula and inter-Korean relations based on personal prejudice and preconceptions is an inappropriate behavior lacking basic propriety."

A senior Blue House official, when asked which parts of Bolton's claims are 'distortions and prejudices,' said, "It is about not revealing the consultation processes in inter-leader dialogues or diplomatic relations. Forgetting this basic principle is exactly the issue," adding, "Bolton said various things, but we judge that it is inappropriate even to dispute the facts of those parts one by one."

The Blue House said it has not seen the entire memoir of former National Security Advisor Bolton but is currently identifying which parts are related. Director Chung was Bolton's counterpart in the conversations.

A senior Blue House official regarding U.S. measures said, "It is generally understood that presidential aides have an obligation to maintain confidentiality while performing their duties. This system exists not only in Korea but also in the U.S. and worldwide," adding, "As Director Chung pointed out, I think it is up to the U.S. side to judge and act on the parts that are not factual."

Regarding Bolton's remarks about President Moon Jae-in, a senior Blue House official said, "They are claims based on his own prejudice and preconceptions," adding, "If you look at the situation during last year's Panmunjom summit through footage or reports, you can easily verify what Bolton's role was without us having to explain." This implies that Bolton played a role in obstructing the North Korea-U.S. summit.