President Moon on Criticism of 'Pleasure Trip' Abroad... Tak Hyun-min Says "No Time for Tourism"

"Media Criticism Also Harsh on Presidential Diplomatic Visits"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jin-ho Kim] Tak Hyun-min, Protocol Secretary at the Blue House, refuted criticisms from some quarters that President Moon Jae-in's recent state visits to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and Egypt were "pleasure trips," stating that "there was no time for sightseeing."

On the day, Secretary Tak appeared on KBS Radio's "Choi Young-il's Current Affairs Headquarters" and responded to a question about criticisms from the opposition and others suggesting that the trip was for tourism purposes by saying, "We tightly managed nearly 20 schedules."

He said, "Acts that belittle national efforts for political gain may bring a few more votes immediately, but they are a considerable insult to the host countries," adding, "I feel somewhat disappointed that the media's evaluation of the president's diplomatic visits is a bit harsh."

Regarding the cancellation of a meeting with Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, in the UAE, he explained, "As far as I know, the itinerary distributed on the plane before our departure had already been updated to reflect the cancellation," and added, "It is regrettable that it was conveyed as if the change happened suddenly."