Will Yoo Si-min Only Do 'Book Criticism'... Playing the Role of 'Speaker' in By-elections and Presidential Election? [Han Seung-gon's Political Notebook]

Yoo Si-min Returns with 'Alileo Season 3'
Book Reviews Instead of Political Criticism
Expected to Serve as Ruling Party 'Speaker' Introducing Democratic Party Policies Through Book Reviews
Expert: "Yoo Si-min Will Play a Role in By-elections and Presidential Election"

Yoo Si-min, chairman of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, is hosting the 'Alileo' broadcast in October last year. Photo by 'Alileo' broadcast capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Yoo Si-min, chairman of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, is returning with the foundation's YouTube broadcast 'Alileo Season 3.' Season 3 is expected to focus on book reviews rather than the political commentary Yoo previously presented.

However, some view Yoo's move as a kind of political maneuvering, keeping in mind the upcoming Seoul and Busan mayoral by-elections next year and the 2022 presidential election. There is an opinion that, rather than simple book reviews, he will voice opinions that benefit the Moon Jae-in administration in some form.

Experts predict that Yoo will not merely stick to simple book reviews. It is analyzed that he is starting 'Alileo Season 3' with a political purpose in mind.

According to the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation on the 21st, the first broadcast of Alileo Season 3 is scheduled to air after the Chuseok holiday. Yoo plans to invite experts to introduce and review books, with broadcasts scheduled once a week.

Earlier, on April 16, Yoo stated at the end of a KBS broadcast reporting the results of the 21st National Assembly election, "I am going to stop political commentary."

He also said, "I thought it was socially meaningful, so I did it for three years, but I think others should do it now. I want to pause and, as chairman of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, complete the remaining year and a half and return to my original daily life."

After stopping 'political commentary,' his mention of a comeback has been welcomed by some. Park Si-young, CEO of Winzi Korea Consulting, a political consulting and public opinion research firm, said on her YouTube channel 'Park Si-young TV' on the 18th, "There was a lack of speakers in the progressive camp, so (Yoo's return) is empowering. The emperor's return," she said.

Park also conveyed, "(Yoo said in 'Alileo Season 3') he will try to reduce political issues as much as possible and focus on policies of the Moon Jae-in administration."

Regarding Yoo's move, some believe that he is ultimately returning to voice sharp political issues as he did in the previous 'Alileo' YouTube broadcasts.

Kim, a company employee in his 30s, said, "Although he says he will do book reviews, he will inevitably voice political opinions. I don't think he will run a YouTube channel unrelated to politics."

Park, a worker in his 40s, also emphasized, "He could run a YouTube broadcast just to promote books, but if it's 'Yoo Si-min,' he would already be taking a direct role as a 'speaker' in some political conflicts. Almost no one thinks he will do simple book reviews."

Yoo Si-min, Chairman of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, is greeting attendees at the '16th Anniversary of the National Balanced Development Declaration' event held on the afternoon of May 7 at the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Yeouido, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Summarizing opinions on Yoo's move, many believe that through book reviews, he will eventually make statements that help or benefit the ruling party.

For example, he might recommend and review books related to various policies promoted by the Democratic Party of Korea, arguing for the basis of those policies.

He could also review autobiographies or books containing the beliefs of specific politicians, explaining those politicians' messages to the public. As a result, the view is that through the means of book reviews, Yoo will expand and voice messages favorable to the ruling party.

Experts' views are not different from those of ordinary citizens. Political commentator Lee Jong-hoon said, "Yoo Si-min has always shown a political side," emphasizing, "It can be seen that he is interested in the by-elections and the presidential election."

He added, "He himself may be interested in the presidential election. Through book reviews, he can explain welfare areas in Korea that he was responsible for." He further predicted, "I think he will use the form of book introductions to reveal his political vision and insights."

Meanwhile, 'Yoo Si-min's Alileo,' which first aired on January 5 last year, currently has 1.16 million subscribers.