"Isn't it Pressuring, Saying It's a Surrender or Cooperation" Criticism of Yoon
[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Joo-hee] Kim Tae-nyeon, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, directly criticized President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol, calling the postponement of the meeting between President Moon Jae-in and President-elect Yoon a "great discourtesy."
On the 16th, Kim wrote on Facebook, "I heard that the meeting between President Moon Jae-in and President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol was canceled. It was postponed," and pointed out, "It should have been a matter of meeting and having an open and honest conversation, but conditions such as pardons and personnel cooperation were attached one after another, making it look like pressure, isn't it?"
On that day, President Moon and President-elect Yoon were scheduled to have a luncheon meeting at the Blue House, but it was postponed. Park Kyung-mi, the Blue House spokesperson, stated, "The meeting between President Moon and President-elect Yoon was rescheduled because practical consultations were not completed." Although no specific reason was given, it was speculated that they failed to narrow differences on sensitive issues such as the pardon of former President Lee Myung-bak.
It is also analyzed that the reason includes the fact that President-elect Yoon's side requested consultations regarding personnel appointments in public enterprises and public institutions conducted near the end of President Moon's term, but the Blue House virtually rejected the request, stating that "exercising personnel authority within the term is natural."
Seemingly aware of this, Kim said, "The president's term and inherent authority guaranteed by the Constitution exist, but basic courtesy must be observed. That is the beginning of national unity," and criticized President-elect Yoon for the "great discourtesy."
Jang Je-won, chief secretary to President-elect Yoon, said in front of the transition committee office in Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, regarding the postponement of the meeting, "We decided not to talk to each other (with the Blue House). More time is needed for practical consultations," and refrained from further comment.
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