Personnel Authority and Supplementary Budget Discussions to Continue Through Consultation Channels
[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] On the 28th, President Moon Jae-in and President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol agreed to cooperate regarding the relocation of the presidential office but drew the line that the relocation is the responsibility of the next administration. Issues such as personnel matters, which had escalated into conflicts between the old and new powers, will be discussed through consultation channels. Both sides explained that the conversation took place in a friendly atmosphere.
Jang Je-won, the chief secretary to the president-elect, briefed on the dinner meeting between President Moon and President-elect Yoon at the transition committee briefing room in Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Regarding the relocation of the presidential office, he said, "President Moon believes that the decision on the location of the presidential office relocation is the responsibility of the next administration," and added, "The current government said it would closely review the budget according to the precise relocation plan and cooperate."
President Moon and President-elect Yoon held a dinner meeting for 2 hours and 51 minutes at the Blue House Sangchunjae, attended by Presidential Chief Secretary Yoo Young-min and Chief Secretary Jang.
When asked by reporters about the possibility of relocating the office before President-elect Yoon’s inauguration, Chief Secretary Jang said, "He did not say whether it is possible or not in terms of timing," but added, "President Moon said he would cooperate and carefully review the relocation plan."
Additional supplementary budgets and personnel issues will be discussed through communication channels. Chief Secretary Jang said, "There were no specific talks about the timing of the supplementary budget, but there was agreement on the necessity of the supplementary budget, and it was said that specific matters would be discussed at the working level." Regarding personnel matters, he said, "There was no discussion about specific personnel appointments," and added, "I hope that Chief Secretary Lee will consult well on personnel matters that need to be handled during the remaining term of President Moon," and "President-elect Yoon also said he hopes to consult well with Chief Secretary Jang."
The issue of pardoning former President Lee Myung-bak was not mentioned. Chief Secretary Jang said, "President Moon did not mention the pardon issue at all, and neither did the president-elect."
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