'Yongsan Relocation' Halted by Blue House, Yoon's Side "Working from Tongui-dong"
Im Jong-seok "People's Worries Are Growing" Repeated Criticism
[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Ju-hee] Former Blue House Chief of Staff Im Jong-seok repeatedly criticized President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol's plan to relocate his office to Yongsan, saying "the people's worries are piling up." Earlier, it was reported that President Moon Jae-in had issued a gag order not to express individual opinions on Yoon's campaign promises or governance plans, but as remarks from figures close to the president continued, tensions between the two sides appear to be escalating.
On the 22nd, Im posted on Facebook criticizing Yoon's plan to use the current office in Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, until the relocation to the Yongsan Ministry of National Defense building is completed after his inauguration, saying he "cannot help but be aghast."
He targeted President-elect Yoon, saying, "Is it such a difficult request to take time and follow at least the minimum procedures?" and "Sometimes yielding is a virtue of leadership. When the subject is public opinion, listening is a leader's duty."
He warned, "Ignoring the voice of the people while claiming to keep promises to them is either sophistry or stubbornness. When worries accumulate, the people first reproach and then become angry."
On the 18th, Im also criticized Yoon regarding the office relocation, saying, "I cannot understand why the current Blue House will not be used even for a single day."
In this context, President Moon on the same day urged Blue House staff to refrain from expressing personal opinions about Yoon's side. This was interpreted as a concern over escalating confrontations ahead of a meeting with Yoon.
However, as the Blue House has put the brakes on Yoon's office relocation to Yongsan citing reasons such as 'security gaps,' the conflict between the old and new powers is intensifying. Due to the Blue House's intervention, Yoon's plan to work from the Yongsan office on his first day in office, May 10, has effectively been disrupted. It is known that Yoon will use the Tongui-dong office for the time being after his inauguration.
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