[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Park Sung-joong, a member of the Future United Party, stated that within the opposition party there are evaluations questioning "Are there really no suitable figures?" regarding the personnel of the Blue House secretariat. He described the newly appointed Senior Secretary for Political Affairs, Choi Jae-sung, as "inappropriate."
On the 12th, Park appeared on CBS Radio's "Kim Hyun-jung's News Show" and said, "The Senior Secretary for Political Affairs needs to handle matters related to the opposition party and maintain an overall harmonious relationship. Isn't this an inappropriate appointment?"
Earlier, President Moon Jae-in appointed Choi Jae-sung, former member of the Democratic Party of Korea, as the new Senior Secretary for Political Affairs; Kim Jong-ho, Secretary General of the Board of Audit and Inspection, as Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs; and Kim Je-nam, Blue House Climate and Environment Secretary, as Senior Secretary for Civil Society.
Regarding this, Democratic Party member Park Yong-jin said, "The president appointed someone he trusts the most and who has a breakthrough style as the Senior Secretary for Political Affairs," adding, "Selecting a person with significant political weight shows that the president's second half in office will still be strong, breakthrough-oriented, and determined to lead the government."
On the other hand, opposition member Park said, "Senior Secretary Choi is known as a so-called bodyguard and is a very hardline figure toward the opposition," adding, "Regarding the new Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs Kim, the Board of Audit and Inspection is supposed to conduct neutral and fair audits of government affairs, so appointing such a person is a warning message about the strained relationship with the current head of the Board."
Chairman Choi Jae-hyung of the Board of Audit and Inspection stirred controversy by saying, "President Moon received 41% approval; is that really the majority of the people?"
Park said, "Regarding Senior Secretary Kim Je-nam, who was a member of the 19th National Assembly from the Unified Progressive Party and later joined the Justice Party, we see it as 'Are there really no suitable figures?'" adding, "Because this was done somewhat hastily, the personnel are inappropriate."
Regarding the resignation of former Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs Kim Jo-won, he said, "I think it was quite a personnel decision that matched the public's expectations, but on the other hand, it seems he chose an apartment over the position," adding, "It's about the house rather than the job. From this perspective, it's quite bitter."
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