"I Am Anti-Moon" Former Japanese Ambassador to Korea... "Moon Administration Tramples Democracy"

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Masatoshi Muto, former Japanese Ambassador to Korea who described his stance as 'Banmun' (anti-Moon), once again unleashed harsh criticism targeting President Moon Jae-in.

In an article titled "President Moon's Tyranny of Paralyzing the National Assembly" posted on the Japanese weekly magazine Diamond's website on the 5th, former Ambassador Muto stated, "The Moon Jae-in administration has revealed its true colors after the overwhelming victory in the general election," adding, "It is trampling on democracy and trying to manipulate politics according to the regime's will."

He described the rapid revision process of the three laws related to lease agreements, saying, "(The ruling party) is ignoring even the necessary procedures, let alone dialogue with the opposition," and claimed that the Moon administration has abandoned democracy.

Former Ambassador Muto also criticized, saying, "Under the Moon Jae-in administration, the National Assembly is not functioning properly," and "It has become a rubber-stamp parliament that passes laws without deliberation, simply endorsing the regime's intentions."

Quoting Democratic Party leader Lee Hae-chan's remark that "speed is important," former Ambassador Muto said, "The atmosphere within the Democratic Party is to ignore procedures and discussions and push through at once," and harshly criticized, "It is not the Democratic Party but a dictatorship party."

He argued, "The anti-democratic behavior of the Democratic Party began when they unilaterally handled the election law and the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Agency-related laws," and added, "I am sure I am not the only one who thinks the name 'Democratic Party' should immediately be changed to 'Dictatorship Party.'"

Former Ambassador Muto served as Minister to Korea from 2005 to 2007 and as Ambassador to Korea from August 2010 to October 2012 during President Lee Myung-bak's administration.

Shortly after the Moon administration took office, in June 2017, he published a book in Japan titled "Fortunately, I Was Not Born Korean." In July last year, he released a monograph titled "The Calamity Called Moon Jae-in," actively engaging in writing articles attacking and defaming President Moon.