Lee Cheol-hee, Cheong Political Secretary, MBC Radio Interview... "Cheong Does Not Conduct Personnel Screening Based on Replacement Premise"
[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] Lee Cheol-hee, Senior Secretary for Political Affairs at the Blue House, conveyed that President Moon Jae-in holds the perception that it is natural for the party (the Democratic Party of Korea) to take the lead as the presidential election approaches.
In an interview with MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' on the morning of the 17th, Lee responded to a question about the party-Blue House relationship by saying, "The President fully believes that it is reasonable for the party to take the lead."
Lee explained, "As the next presidential election approaches, new discussions and new agreements must be made. Since the party leads these discussions and agreements, it is natural for the party to hold significant leadership?that is the President's perception."
Lee added, "From that perspective, I have been instructed several times to 'respect the party's will and listen to the party's opinions,' so there can be no conflict between the party and the Blue House," and continued, "It is the government's role to faithfully implement the national agenda we have presented, so the executive branch will steadily carry out its work."
Regarding this, Lee said that the party and the Blue House are "having sufficient discussions" about the overall real estate tax system.
On the recent personnel controversy, Lee stated, "As a one-year president, I think he has once again reflected on his initial intentions, and I believe this is a sufficiently rational choice as a president," adding, "I hope the opposition party will understand the appointing authority's concerns and discretion regarding personnel matters and cooperate in the normal operation of state affairs."
Regarding the proposal for a meeting between Kim Gi-hyeon, acting leader and floor leader of the People Power Party, and President Moon, Lee said, "There is a South Korea-US summit on the 21st. Due to preparations for that, it is practically difficult to meet before then. After the summit, we will consult and proceed."
Lee strongly criticized the opposition party's claim that First Lady Kim Jung-sook was behind the appointment of Minister of Science and ICT Im Hye-sook. Lee said, "This is a very malicious suspicion. It is very old-fashioned politics."
Lee pointed out, "At the very least, such claims should be made with evidence, but making such baseless claims, who in the world could withstand such rumors or suspicions?" and added, "especially regarding personnel matters, such issues must be eradicated."
The Blue House denied some media reports that it is preparing to replace Yoo Eun-hye, Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education.
Lee said, "I am not in a position to definitively say this or that," but added, "however, from the atmosphere I sense and what I have confirmed, there is no personnel verification being conducted on the premise of replacement."
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