"University Student Group Holds Press Conference in Front of the Blue House: 'Apologize Even if It's an April Fools' Excuse'"

Criticism of Moon Administration's Real Estate Policy and Call for Apology

Kim Tae-il, Chairman of the New National Alliance, condemned the Moon Jae-in administration's surveillance of university students' communications and demanded the abolition of the Corruption Investigation Office during a joint press conference for victims of illegal civilian communication surveillance held on the morning of January 28 at the National Assembly Communication Office in Yeouido, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] A university student organization criticized the five years of the Moon Jae-in administration and urged, "Apologize even if it is under the pretext of April Fools' Day."

The New National University Student Representatives Council (Shinjeondae-hyeop) read a letter with this content on the 1st in front of the fountain at the Blue House Sarangchae.

Kim Tae-il, chairman of Shinjeondae-hyeop, said, "Among young people, there is a culture of confessing their true feelings on April Fools' Day. Since you gave us an opportunity for reflection and introspection a year ago, we are also informing you of the opportunity and the way to reflect." He added, "If the president has been too ashamed to apologize so far, please take this April Fools' Day as an excuse to make a grand reflection to the people."

He then targeted the current administration's real estate policy, sarcastically saying, "They vilified multi-homeowners and told the public, 'We are confident about the real estate issue, sell your houses,' but the kings of real estate investment were in the ruling party and the Blue House." He also said, "It seems the core philosophy of Moon administration officials is that a solid and smart real estate asset is more important than just one seat. Well, if even the president violated the Farmland Act to change land use, how much more would others do?" raising the intensity of his remarks.

They also announced that they have launched a satirical website called 'National Reflection' parodying the online government white paper 'National Report' announced by the government on the 20th.

Previously, in 2019, President Moon filed a criminal complaint for defamation against Shinjeondae-hyeop member A. It is known that A distributed leaflets criticizing President Moon near the fountain at the National Assembly in July of the same year.

After A was sent to the prosecution on charges of defamation and violation of the Minor Offenses Act, President Moon ordered the withdrawal of the intention to punish for defamation. Blue House spokesperson Park Kyung-mi announced the withdrawal of the complaint in a briefing on May 4 last year, saying, "The president has tolerated even hateful expressions that are hard to put into words about himself and his family in respect of the people's freedom of expression." She also stated, "We hope this incident will serve as an opportunity for reflection on the spread of false information that harms national dignity, the honor of the people, and the country's future."