The Meeting Between Cheong Wa Dae and Democratic Party Leaders on the 14th as a Turning Point... Emphasis on Cautious Stance in Cheong Wa Dae, Process of Gathering Ruling Party Opinions
[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] It was reported on the 13th that President Moon Jae-in is likely to find a solution by accepting the opinions gathered within the party when Song Young-gil, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, conveys the party's consolidated views regarding the issue of the 'three ministers.'
A senior Blue House official said on the day, "We are collecting various opinions." This is consistent with the explanation given the previous day that various opinions would be gathered until the 14th, when President Moon and the Democratic Party leadership are scheduled to meet. However, it seems clear that the Blue House's stance has shifted from pushing for the appointment of the three ministers to a more cautious approach.
In fact, even within the Blue House, the principle of appointing all three candidates?Im Hye-sook, nominee for Minister of Science and ICT; Park Jun-young, nominee for Minister of Oceans and Fisheries; and Noh Hyung-wook, nominee for Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport?who have faced opposition from some members of both the opposition and ruling parties, has quieted down. This is interpreted as due to the political burden surrounding the appointment issue becoming too great, regardless of any flaws.
There is also a pragmatic view that the controversy must be resolved in some form since President Moon has invited the Democratic Party leadership to the Blue House. In particular, President Moon cannot ignore the political situation of Leader Song, who is seeking to stabilize the party after his inauguration. It appears to be a common understanding within the Blue House and the ruling party that the worst-case scenario would be for President Moon and Leader Song to stick to their respective solutions during their meeting, exposing a rift between the party and the Blue House.
However, if the political demands force the dismissal of even one ministerial candidate, Leader Song must also consider the potential damage to President Moon's ability to govern. Ultimately, the key issue is whether Leader Song will consolidate the party's opinions and convey to President Moon the demand for the dismissal of ‘one or more’ candidates within the remaining day until the 14th.
Opinions differ regarding who should be subject to dismissal. While some focus on nominee Im, there is also a view that nominee Park, whose wife has been embroiled in a ‘porcelain smuggling’ controversy, is more at risk.
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