Seong Il-jong: "President Moon's Press Conference, Many Parts Got Tangled"

Seong Il-jong, Emergency Response Committee Member of the People Power Party, to Appear on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' on the 19th
Criticism for Inadequate Explanation on COVID-19 Vaccines and Nuclear Power Plants

Seong Il-jong, Emergency Response Committee Member of the People Power Party (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Bo-ryeong] Seong Il-jong, Emergency Response Committee member of the People Power Party, harshly criticized President Moon Jae-in's New Year's press conference, saying it "was not clear and had many problems."

On the 19th, Seong appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' and stated, "I think many parts got tangled because the government defensively handled its failures."

He particularly criticized President Moon for failing to properly explain issues related to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines and nuclear power plants. Seong emphasized, "In the case of vaccines, 45 countries have already started vaccinations, so it would have been better if the president had acknowledged the delays and explained the monthly plans to persuade the public."

He continued, "The nuclear power issue is a matter of long-term national planning. As electric vehicles become more widespread, electricity demand will inevitably increase," adding, "Since some public officials manipulated economic feasibility data, it would have received more public support if the president had said these issues would be addressed through policy."

Regarding President Moon drawing a line on pardoning former presidents, Seong said, "I think he retreated after seeing the reaction thrown through Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party," and criticized, "For the national goal of unity, the president alone can overcome factional opposition, as the constitution grants that authority. Leadership that persuades people while moving forward is needed."

Seong also criticized President Moon's characterization of Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl as "the Prosecutor General of the Moon Jae-in administration." He said, "When the disciplinary proposal was submitted, the president signed it. That is a sign of abandonment. If he did not intend to abandon, he would have mediated the conflict earlier," adding, "Since Yoon is leading in polls and rising as an opposition candidate, this might be a gesture of feeling threatened."