Evaluation of Moon Administration... Ruling Party: "First time surpassing Japan's income since Imjin War" Opposition: "Amateur fortune-tellers"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] The ruling and opposition parties' evaluations of President Moon Jae-in's 4th anniversary in office sharply diverged. The ruling party said achievements were made in economic growth and response to the COVID-19 crisis, while the opposition criticized the administration for 'double standards' and exacerbating real estate instability.

Kim Kyung-hyup, a three-term senior member of the Democratic Party of Korea, appeared on CBS Radio on the 10th and said, "We solidly laid the foundation for economic growth through income-led and innovative economy policies, resulting in Korea being a model country in global quarantine efforts during the COVID crisis and one of the best-performing economies, achievements recognized worldwide."

He added, "Per capita GDP surpassed Italy, a G7 country, and per capita real national income adjusted for purchasing power exceeded Japan for the first time since the Imjin War." However, he noted that the stagnation of the Korean Peninsula peace process was a shortcoming. When asked for a score, he said "about 80 points."

Lee Nak-yeon, a Democratic Party lawmaker who served as Prime Minister for 2 years and 7 months under the Moon administration, appeared on CBS Radio the same day and said, "Many policies need reflection and reinforcement," adding, "There could have been more added regarding livelihood issues and foreign policy."

The People Power Party delivered harsh criticism. Kim Ki-hyun, acting party leader and floor leader of the People Power Party, said at an emergency committee meeting, "The four years of the Moon Jae-in administration, marked by 'double standards,' have become a dark chapter in South Korea's history," and criticized, "The past four years, which claimed to put people first and emphasized fairness, justice, and equality, can be said to have truly shown the essence of an amateur shaman-like government."

He cited the 'nuclear phase-out' and real estate policies as representative failures, saying, "They strangled competitive industrial ecosystems and crushed the dreams of ordinary citizens to own homes due to soaring housing prices and monthly rents."

Pointing out personnel issues, he also demanded the dismissal of Kim Oe-sook, the presidential secretary for personnel affairs. Kim said, "The three ministerial candidates?Im Hye-sook, Park Jun-young, and Noh Hyung-wook?faced various allegations and public criticism. It's shocking that only unqualified candidates who do not meet public expectations were chosen. As long as Secretary Kim Oe-sook remains, the personnel disaster will continue. It is only logical to dismiss her as soon as possible."

Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, also called for President Moon to leave the Democratic Party at the party's supreme council meeting that day. He said, "President Moon should no longer serve as the head of the pro-Moon faction while holding the presidency," adding, "His departure from the party could be an opportunity to work solely for the country and all its people without being swayed by factional logic during the important upcoming year for the nation's future."