Amid 'Clothing Cost Controversy,' President Moon Asks, "What About Hydrogen Ships?"

Cheong "President Moon's Nickname is Hydrogen Expert"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The Blue House reported on the 3rd that President Moon Jae-in asked his aides about 'hydrogen ships' on the 1st, when the controversy over 'First Lady Kim Jung-sook's clothing expenses' was spreading.

Park Soo-hyun, the Blue House Chief of Public Communication, posted a Facebook entry titled "The President's Story Not in the Briefing - What About Hydrogen Ships?" on the 3rd, sharing behind-the-scenes details of the meeting at that time.

During the meeting, President Moon said, "Since our country is overwhelmingly ahead in the LNG (liquefied natural gas) carrier sector, I believe we can also lead in the hydrogen ship sector," and instructed, "Japan is focusing on small-scale hydrogen carriers, so please review and report on our country's current research and development (R&D) investment status."

In particular, President Moon also expressed his hope that the next administration would place emphasis on fostering hydrogen ships.

Chief Park said, "On that day, media reports were filled with headlines like 'Special Activity Funds,' 'Clothing Expenses,' and 'Daewoo Shipbuilding's Shameless Land Grab,' so no matter how much the president mentioned this, it was hard to accept," explaining that instead of reacting sensitively to various allegations, the president emphasized the will to promote hydrogen ships.

Chief Park added, "The promotion of hydrogen ships is a topic President Moon has repeatedly mentioned on various occasions," and "Aides even nickname the president 'hydrogen expert.'"