Relocation of Yongsan Presidential Office is for the Next Government... Current Administration to Closely Review and Cooperate
Personnel and Supplementary Budget Issues to be Discussed through Lee Cheol-hee and Jang Je-won Line
Warm Dialogue Shared over Past Connections and Other Topics
[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] President Moon Jae-in and President-elect Yoon Seok-youl agreed on the 28th to cooperate regarding the relocation of the presidential office but drew a clear line that the relocation would be 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 warm and 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 should be left to the next administration," adding, "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, with Presidential Secretary Yoo Young-min and Chief Secretary Jang attending.
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 dialogue 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 detailed matters would be discussed at the working level." Regarding personnel matters, he said, "There was no specific discussion about who to appoint or how," and added, "I hope that the chief secretary will consult well with Secretary Lee about personnel matters that need to be handled during President Moon’s remaining term," and "President-elect Yoon also expressed hope that Chief Secretary Jang would cooperate well."
The issue of pardons for 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."
Regarding COVID-19 and related matters, President Moon said, "We have been running breathlessly, but I know that managing the COVID issue well during the remaining term and handing over the administration is the biggest task," and "He said he would do his best to manage it well and hand over," Chief Secretary Jang conveyed.
Chief Secretary Jang said the atmosphere of the dinner meeting was warm and friendly.
He said, "President Moon sincerely congratulated the president-elect. This was not a routine congratulation but a heartfelt one," adding, "He said that while political parties can compete, it is natural for presidents to wish each other success."
In response, "President-elect Yoon expressed gratitude and said, 'State affairs are the result of accumulation.' He said he would inherit good policies and improve insufficient ones," Chief Secretary Jang introduced.
President Moon and President-elect Yoon talked about their past connections, and President Moon said, "Please make good use of my experience; I will help."
When asked about the content of the conversation, he said, "They met without an agenda and spoke frankly," and "They had a warm and friendly conversation centered on their past connections without reservation."
When asked if there were any regrets mentioned, Chief Secretary Jang said, "None at all," adding, "The two have many past connections. While talking about their past connections, I did not sense any differences of opinion."
Regarding the public perception of conflict between President Moon and President-elect Yoon as a conflict between old and new powers, he said, "They seemed to respect each other," and "Both seem to have the will to ensure a smooth handover between the current and next administrations to ease the public’s concerns," adding, "I think they had a very warm and respectful conversation to the extent that no conflict perceived by the media or the public could be found."
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