Targeting Yoon Seok-yeol?… President Moon says "We must boldly break with the old to open a new era"

President Moon Jae-in is presiding over a senior secretaries and aides meeting at the Blue House on the 30th. 2020.11.30 [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sun-hee] President Moon Jae-in said on the 30th, "If we fail to break away from past customs or culture, we will inevitably fall behind the rapidly changing global trends," adding, "Even if there is pain and difficulty, a new future will open when we have the will to boldly part with the old through reform and innovation and strive for change." His remarks drew attention as they came amid escalating conflict between Justice Minister Chu Mi-ae and Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl.

On the same day, President Moon presided over a senior secretaries and aides meeting at the Blue House and said in his opening remarks, "It is time for public officials to refine their mindset in facing the crisis. We must return to basics."

President Moon stated, "All public officials must serve only the people and fulfill their mission to build a better country," and added, "We must overcome the crisis with a mindset of putting the community's interest before the interests of their affiliated ministries or groups and pioneer an era of great change."

President Moon's remarks, after maintaining silence following the so-called 'Chu-Yoon conflict,' are interpreted as being directed at Prosecutor General Yoon and the prosecution. By referring to the internal backlash within the prosecution against Yoon's suspension by Minister Chu as 'pain accompanying reform,' he acknowledged the difficulties involved.

He also mentioned government initiatives such as ▲Korean New Deal ▲Carbon Neutrality 2050 ▲Reform of power institutions, saying, "Although it may seem chaotic, I hope the people have confidence that the Republic of Korea is heading in the right direction and rapidly developing."

Meanwhile, regarding the upcoming College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) just three days away, President Moon said, "We will activate an all-government emergency response system to ensure successful CSAT quarantine measures," adding, "Most advanced countries have canceled or postponed nationwide national exams due to unstable quarantine situations. If we manage to conduct the CSAT safely and securely without exception, including self-quarantined and confirmed cases, during such a difficult time, the excellence of K-quarantine will shine even more."

He continued, "This week is a very important period in many ways," urging, "Above all, we must decisively curb the spread of COVID-19." Furthermore, he said, "We will tighten quarantine measures and make every effort to stabilize the COVID-19 situation early," and expressed support and encouragement to examinees and parents who have studied hard throughout the year and are taking the exam under difficult circumstances, while repeatedly thanking the public for actively cooperating with quarantine guidelines.