Kim Dong-yeon, New Wave Leader, Criticizes Office Relocation Debate
"Sucking Up Livelihood and Political Issues Like a Black Hole"
"If Majority of People Want Relocation, Follow; Otherwise, Postpone and Replan"
[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] Kim Dong-yeon, leader of the New Wave party, criticized the political debate surrounding the relocation of the presidential office to Yongsan, saying it "is sucking in livelihood and political issues like a black hole" and that "(the relocation of the presidential office to Yongsan) is undesirable regardless of whether it is right or wrong."
Kim Dong-yeon, the New Wave presidential candidate, held a press conference at the campaign office in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on the 2nd, announcing his withdrawal from the race and expressing his support for Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party candidate. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@
On the morning of the 23rd, Kim posted on his Facebook under the title 'Action is needed for livelihood and political change,' stating, "As political conflicts intensify and the exchanges become harsh, the people feel anxious and national opinion is divided."
He emphasized, "The tasks of livelihood and political change are far more important than where the presidential office is located."
He then pointed out to President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol, "Important matters such as the relocation of the presidential office should not be decided hastily through 'autocratic presidential decision-making.'" He added, "Leaders must provide accurate information to the public on highly controversial issues and make decisions after fully listening to opinions," emphasizing that "a reasonable procedure and process, including gathering and persuading public opinion, are necessary."
Regarding the ministries involved in the relocation issue, he said, "They should not be cautious about the transition committee but should disclose the facts as they are," and urged, "They must confidently reveal facts and evidence about how much money it will cost, how long it will take to relocate the Ministry of National Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, what measures are needed, whether there are any security concerns, and how to prepare for them." To the media, he requested, "Do not incite conflict and demand and report the facts without distortion."
Kim proposed, "After going through such a process, if the majority of the people want the relocation, follow it as is; if not, postpone the relocation planned for just a month and a half later and create a new plan." He added, "Let’s present a proper plan to the people and proceed accordingly," saying, "That way, the public will understand the president-elect’s true intention to keep the promises made to the people."
He urged the Democratic Party to implement the 'political change tasks.' He said, "Political change, which emerged as the most important discourse through the presidential election, is also urgent," and added, "It is time for the Democratic Party to put into action the political change tasks agreed upon by candidate Lee Jae-myung and me during the election process. That is the way for Korean politics to stand upright and for the Democratic Party to survive."
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