Democratic Party "Relocation of Blue House to Yongsan Defense Ministry Building, Questionable if for Communication with the People"

"Criticism: 'Reflect Back on the Purpose of Gwanghwamun Presidential Era Pledges'"

Goh Yong-jin, Chief Spokesperson of the Democratic Party of Korea, is briefing on the results of the full investigation into real estate transactions of Democratic Party lawmakers conducted by the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission at the National Assembly Communication Office in Yeouido, Seoul, on the afternoon of June 8, 2021.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Jung-wan] The Democratic Party of Korea criticized the transition team of President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol for considering relocating the presidential office to the Ministry of National Defense building in Yongsan, Seoul, saying, "If the purpose of moving the Blue House is to enter the hearts of the people and communicate with them, then moving to the Yongsan Ministry of National Defense building is very puzzling."

Senior Spokesperson Ko Yong-jin pointed out in a written briefing on the 16th, "I hope they reconsider the original intent of the Gwanghwamun presidential era pledge."

Senior Spokesperson Ko criticized, "It is absurd to decide and push for the Blue House relocation urgently with only about two months left before the inauguration," adding, "Ultimately, this hasty push will only create much confusion and side effects, and the burden will fall entirely on the people."

He said, "I hope they revisit the purpose of the pledge from the beginning and find a solution for the Blue House relocation through thorough review and national consensus."

Earlier, Yoon’s spokesperson Kim Eun-hye stated in a briefing that "the possibility of President-elect Yoon moving into the existing Blue House is zero," and "we are reviewing several candidate sites, including Yongsan (Ministry of National Defense building)."

The President-elect’s side is seriously considering relocating the presidential office from the existing Blue House to the Ministry of National Defense building in Hannam-dong, Yongsan. Initially, Yoon pledged to move the presidential office to the Gwanghwamun Government Seoul Office, but due to practical reasons such as security, protection, and traffic, the Ministry of National Defense building in Yongsan is being considered as an alternative.