"Presidential Office Relocation" Clash Between New and Old Powers... Expert Says "Must Resolve Through Public Opinion Gathering and Consultation"

"Unprecedented Situation" in Unison
"Moon Administration, Political Decisions and Actions"
"Yoon Transition Team Should Seek Cooperation, Not Pressure"

Professor Kim Gwan-ok of Political Science and Diplomacy at Keimyung University (from the left), Professor Shin Yul of Political Science and Diplomacy at Myongji University, Director Eom Kyung-young of the Sidaejeongsin Research Institute, and Associate Research Fellow Yang Wook of the Center for Foreign Policy and Security at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies.

[Asia Economy Reporters Park Jun-yi and Kwon Hyun-ji] Experts agree that the direct clash between President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol and the Blue House over the 'presidential office relocation' is an 'unprecedented and extraordinary situation,' but they offered differing views on who is responsible. However, they advised that for a smooth resolution, the president-elect's side should sufficiently explain the relocation stance and purpose to the current government to gain consensus.

Experts expressed concern that such a clash has never occurred before. On the 22nd, Um Kyung-young, director of the Era Spirit Research Institute, said, "There has never been a case of such a clash in previous administrations," explaining, "During the transition from former President Roh Moo-hyun to former President Lee Myung-bak, there were issues related to inter-Korean relations as President Roh visited North Korea near the end of his term. However, at that time, the former and incumbent presidents met twice, and there was no conflict during the handover process." Yang Wook, a security expert and senior researcher at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies' Center for Foreign and Security Affairs, also evaluated, "No matter how much the next government opposed the previous government's stance, there was never such a direct clash. This is an open confrontation."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Opinions were divided regarding responsibility for the current situation. Professor Shin Yul of Myongji University's Department of Political Science and Diplomacy pointed out, "The Blue House is overemphasizing the president's authority," criticizing, "Not only the relocation of the office but also the current government's attempts to appoint the head of the Board of Audit and Inspection and the governor of the Bank of Korea show an uncooperative attitude toward the next administration." Researcher Yang also said, "While the current government appears to be raising security concerns and rebutting, it seems to be making highly political decisions and actions." He criticized, "The current government has handled security policies according to its own discretion, so criticizing the next government's security policy as arbitrary is inconsistent. The biggest security vacuum in South Korea was actually when the ROK-US Combined Forces Command moved to Pyeongtaek."

On the other hand, Professor Kim Kwan-ok of Keimyung University's Department of Political Science and Diplomacy countered, "Personnel matters and the Blue House relocation are the president's exclusive rights until the end of the term," arguing, "For the Presidential Transition Committee to decide everything and seek the president's approval would make the president a figurehead." Professor Kim criticized, "The transition committee's role is to gain cooperation on how to smoothly transfer duties from the previous power to the new power, not to exert pressure."

There is also analysis that this is a strategic move to secure victory in the upcoming June local elections. Director Um said, "The 'post-presidential election political situation' has unfolded ahead of the local elections," adding, "The margin of votes in the presidential election was very narrow, which has led to a conflict between the old and new powers. It could be used as a kind of election strategy for the local elections."

Many experts expressed the opinion that President-elect Yoon should not only gather public opinion but also sufficiently consult with the current government to resolve the issue. Director Um stated, "Since relocating the Blue House is a significant task not seen in 70 years, it is appropriate to proceed with time after gathering public opinion and bipartisan consultation," adding, "Even now, the transition committee and the government should form a joint TF (task force) to discuss and find common ground." Professor Kim also said, "The new government should take time to promote the issue while expanding national consensus," emphasizing, "The Blue House relocation is a security issue. Leaving vulnerabilities like this could be historically recorded." In contrast, Professor Shin said, "Since the current government’s term remains and there is a massive opposition with 173 seats, President-elect Yoon has no more options," concluding, "He can only appeal to the public by showing a desperate stance of being overwhelmed."