Real Estate, Another Blow to National Approval Ratings... Key Blue House Aides Including Noh Young-min Resign (Summary)

Chief Secretary Noh Young-min and all 5 Senior Secretaries Resign... President Moon's Decision on Acceptance Pending

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] The resignation of Presidential Chief of Staff Noh Young-min is closely related to the political difficulties President Moon Jae-in is currently facing. Noh himself is involved in the controversy over the disposal of his property in the Gangnam 3 districts, and the real estate controversy surrounding Kim Jo-won, the Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs, has not subsided.

There have even been reports that key aides at the Blue House raised their voices over the real estate disposal issue. As unfavorable situations continue within the Blue House, the ruling party is experiencing a time of confusion. President Moon's approval rating has fallen again to the mid-40% range, and the Democratic Party of Korea is at risk of being overtaken in support by the United Future Party.

All five senior secretaries under Chief of Staff Noh?Kang Ki-jung, Senior Secretary for Political Affairs; Yoon Do-han, Senior Secretary for Public Communication; Kim Jo-won, Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs; Kim Geo-seong, Senior Secretary for Civil Society; and Kim Oe-sook, Senior Secretary for Personnel?have submitted their resignations, aligning with plans for a Blue House administrative overhaul. This signifies an intention to pave the way for President Moon to regain momentum in governance through the replacement of key aides.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

A key Blue House official told reporters on the 7th, "(The resignation) means taking comprehensive responsibility for recent situations," explaining that "Chief of Staff Noh Young-min made a comprehensive judgment."

Although there had been speculation about possible replacements for the Chief of Staff and senior secretaries, the simultaneous submission of resignations was unexpected. This also contrasts with President Moon's personnel philosophy, which has been careful to avoid the appearance of dismissals, as seen when former Minister of Unification Kim Yeon-chul was replaced.

The fact that Chief of Staff Noh submitted his resignation as a way to take comprehensive responsibility for recent events itself signifies his deep sense of accountability.

It has not yet been decided what judgment President Moon will make?whether to accept or reject the resignations, and if accepted, when and how successors will be appointed. Nothing has been finalized regarding subsequent steps.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

A key Blue House official said, "Whether to accept the resignations will be the president's decision, and the timing and all other matters will be judged by the president."

However, given that the Chief of Staff and major senior secretaries have submitted their resignations, concerns about a vacuum among key Blue House aides have become a reality. Although they will not be immediately excluded from their duties after submitting their resignations, the Blue House is at risk of organizational instability amid a chaotic atmosphere.

Therefore, there is speculation that President Moon will make a swift decision rather than entering a prolonged period of deliberation over whether to accept the resignations.

If the Blue House staff reshuffle materializes, other personnel changes such as cabinet reshuffles are also expected to accelerate. Ministers who had been strongly rumored to be replaced even before the 21st general election are likely to be considered for replacement again this time.