"Roh Moo-hyun and MB Did Not Remain Silent" 'Simu7jo' Joeunsan Criticizes President Moon

President Moon Jae-in is presiding over a video Cabinet meeting at the Blue House on the morning of the 1st. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] Jin-in (塵人) Jo Eunsan, who criticized the Moon Jae-in administration in the form of a memorial letter called 'Simu7jo,' raised his voice toward President Moon Jae-in, who has remained silent regarding the suspension of Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, saying, "Lengthy excuses and sophistry are fine. At the very least, the people want the sincere voice of a leader who has relinquished authority, not silence."

On the 2nd, Jo Eunsan revealed this through a post titled 'The President's Writing' on his blog, stating, "I do not expect a definite answer from someone who lacks conviction."

Jo Eunsan cited parts of past national addresses by former President Roh Moo-hyun during the Korea-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and former President Lee Myung-bak during the mad cow disease crisis, saying, "They did not hide and did not avoid standing at the peak of confrontation."

He said, "I want to talk about the 'qualifications of a leader,'" adding, "The opposition from various sectors surrounding the Korea-US FTA came to each president as a different kind of problem. However, the solution was the same. Instead of consistently avoiding or remaining silent in the face of national resistance, they chose to confront it head-on."

He continued, "It was full of pride, not arrogance, because there was a conviction that it was ultimately for the nation and the people," and explained, "Above all, they are confident. Why did they become leaders? Why are they in the Blue House? What is their reason for existence? How do they respond to the people's call? They answer the many questions posed to leaders without hesitation and do not pass the answers to others. They find the answers within themselves."

Then Jo Eunsan said, "(They) do not assert authority. Authority is something the people establish, not something a leader should establish by themselves," and criticized, "People might want writings like 'What is the president doing about the prosecution crisis?' but I am sorry, I will refrain from speaking. I do not expect a definite answer from someone who lacks conviction."

He addressed President Moon, saying, "Lengthy excuses and sophistry are fine. At the very least, the people want the sincere voice of a leader who has relinquished authority, not silence," and pointed out, "The anguish they must have felt while drafting the statement is far more valuable than the comfort brought by silence."

Meanwhile, former President Roh, on April 2, 2007, when resistance to the Korea-US FTA negotiations was intense, emphasized in a national address, "The Korea-US FTA was something we initiated and led proactively from the beginning," and said, "Personally, I have no political gain, only a decision made with conviction and conscience, a decision made despite political losses."

He added, "The FTA is not a political or ideological issue but a matter of livelihood and national competitiveness, and it should not be approached with ethnic emotions or political intentions," and stated, "The government will also go to the National Assembly to explain in detail and actively engage in discussions."

Former President Lee, on June 18, 2008, at the height of the mad cow disease candlelight protests, issued a second national address, saying, "As president, I could not help but think about national interests and the future, so I could not withdraw the import of US beef despite knowing there would be tremendous aftereffects," and emphasized, "I will communicate with the people, go together with the people, heed the people's will, and listen to opposing opinions. I will reorganize the Blue House secretariat and the cabinet with a fresh mindset."