Cheong Wa Dae: "Respecting the 'Yongsan Era' President-elect's Will... Will Discuss in Meeting"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The Blue House stated that it respects the determination of President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol's side, who confirmed the plan to relocate the office to Yongsan the day before, and will discuss this extensively during the meeting with President Moon Jae-in.

Park Soo-hyun, the Blue House Communication Chief, said on YTN Radio's 'Hwang Bo-seon's Morning Start' on the 21st, "When the two meet, they will have a broad discussion on how to realize the President-elect's will to bring the Blue House closer to the people," emphasizing this point.

The day before, President-elect Yoon had officially announced the relocation of the presidential office to the Yongsan Ministry of National Defense building. Previously, Tak Hyun-min, the Blue House Protocol Secretary, and others expressed opposition to the office relocation, saying, "If they are not going to use it, can't we just use the Blue House?" However, President Moon personally intervened to restrain his aides and expressed his intention to respect the President-elect's wishes.

Park said, "Last Friday, President Moon issued a message ordering Blue House aides to refrain from commenting on the President-elect's pledges or the direction of state affairs management," adding, "There is absolutely no change in the policy of respecting the President-elect's will."

The President-elect's side plans to cover the relocation cost of 49.6 billion won from contingency funds. Park explained, "It is not yet known whether this issue has been submitted to the current government through the transition committee," and added, "If a formal proposal comes through the proper process, we will closely consult according to the established procedures."

It is still undecided whether the contingency fund agenda will be presented at the Cabinet meeting chaired by President Moon on the 22nd. Park said, "(The Cabinet meeting on the 22nd) is not for the review of contingency funds," and added, "The Cabinet meeting can be convened at any time, and since this is an unprecedented Blue House relocation, I hope various issues will be discussed carefully and that the handover will be exemplary."

Amid expectations that a meeting between the outgoing and incoming leaders will take place early or midweek, Park expressed hope, saying, "I understand that Chief Secretary for Political Affairs Lee Cheol-hee and Chief of Staff Jang Je-won are continuing practical consultations and making efforts," and added, "If the two can talk comfortably, I expect to be able to share good news with the public soon."

Meanwhile, following the President-elect Yoon's announcement of the office confirmation the day before, the Blue House is expected to convene a National Security Council (NSC) meeting today to discuss issues related to the 'security vacuum.'