Chief Secretary Yoo Young-min: "Shin Hyun-soo's Integrity Also Influenced by Upright Myeon" (Update)

"Minjeong Chief's Leadership Wounded Beyond Recovery"... Opposition's Mutiny Claim Met with "Shin Hyun-soo Is Not Mutiny" Defense

[Asia Economy Reporters Ryu Jeong-min and Lee Ji-eun] Yoo Young-min, Chief of Staff at the Blue House, stated on the 24th during his appearance at the National Assembly's Steering Committee regarding the issue of Shin Hyun-soo's position as Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs, "Since the matter has been entrusted to the President, the work that needs to be done should not be interrupted, and various considerations must be taken into account."

In response to a question from Jeong Hee-yong, a member of the People Power Party, Yoo explained, "(Regarding Shin Hyun-soo's intention to resign) I also urged him not to resign, and the President did as well," adding, "It is not only because we brought him in with difficulty but also because we continuously expected him to fulfill that role."

Yoo said, "(Shin) judged that it was difficult to act as a mediator and coordinator between the Ministry of Justice and the prosecution on this issue, which caused him distress. We also had conversations to help restore his leadership," and added, "I think his uprightness also had some influence."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding the cause of the turmoil over Shin's resignation, Yoo responded to a question from Joo Ho-young, the floor leader of the People Power Party, "There were many consultations during the recent appointment of prosecutors, but in the process of receiving the President's approval and making the announcement, the Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs felt that sufficient consultation had not been made, whereas Minister Park Beom-gye thought that the consultation was adequate during the proposal and approval process, so it proceeded."

Yoo explained, "The Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs, as a mediator and coordinator between the Ministry of Justice and the prosecution, was hurt to the extent that his leadership could not be restored. That is the reason for the situation."

When asked about the current status of Shin's position, Yoo said, "That is a troubling part. He has expressed his intention to resign several times, and it was not just rejected but he was continuously persuaded. This means there is still trust and expectation, so it is a difficult decision," adding, "Also, work must continue, so I believe the President is considering various factors."

In particular, Yoo said, "(The President's decision) will be made soon. It is an embarrassing situation."

Meanwhile, when Joo Su-jin, a member of the People Power Party, pointed out, "Isn't Shin Hyun-soo's action an act of insubordination?" Yoo defended, "I do not agree. It is not insubordination."