[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The Blue House responded that reports claiming President Moon Jae-in was "furious" about President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol's plan to relocate his office are "not true."
On the afternoon of the 22nd, Park Soo-hyun, the Blue House Chief of Public Communication, appeared on KBS1 Radio's "Choi Young-il's Current Affairs Headquarters" and addressed the host's question by stating, "It is not true that the president was furious."
Chief Park said, "During a government transition period, there is always a media narrative about conflicts between the old and new powers," adding, "Therefore, the president instructed for exemplary handover procedures to prevent such reports and even ordered Blue House aides to remain completely silent about the president-elect's pledges or policy directions," denying any clash.
Chief Park explained, "The Blue House has never opposed the relocation of the presidential office," and added, "There were articles suggesting that within the Blue House, factions either cooperating with or opposing the president-elect exist, but that is completely untrue." This was a rejection of interpretations that the Blue House's previous day's halt on the office move, citing 'security gaps,' amounted to an actual opposition.
Despite the Blue House's clarification, opposition parties are interpreting this as de facto opposition. Kim Ki-hyun, floor leader of the People Power Party, said, "To the public, it appears as if they are refusing to accept the election results," and added, "If they continue to act petty and embarrassing until the end of the term, the public will judge them."
Earlier that morning, President Moon emphasized the importance of security at a Cabinet meeting, stating, "There can be no small gaps in state affairs," which has also been interpreted as expressing opposition to the office relocation.
In response, Chief Park said, "That is not the case," and explained, "Given the escalating security crisis, the president reiterated and made a fundamental pledge before the public to fulfill the mission of protecting the nation and ensuring the lives and safety of the people, as any disruption could hinder this duty."
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