Cheong Park Suhyun "I want to disclose all special activity expenses even if it breaks the law"

"There Are Complaints Asking If It's Okay to Keep Embarrassing the President Near the End of His Term"

Park Su-hyun, Senior Secretary for Public Communication at the Blue House [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kang Woo-seok] Park Soo-hyun, Senior Secretary for Public Communication at the Blue House, raised his voice on the 6th regarding the controversy over the government's special activity expenses that emerged from the 'Kim Jung-sook First Lady's clothing cost controversy,' saying, "Among the aides, the prevailing opinion is to disclose all (special activity expenses) even if it means breaking the law," and added, "We are that confident."

Park appeared on MBC's 'News Outside' that day and stated, "We also want to disclose all (special activity expenses). However, there are items that should not actually be disclosed," and explained, "Special activity expenses are legally prohibited from being disclosed. We must abide by the law."

He continued, "Not only the Blue House but also the Supreme Prosecutors' Office and other government ministries are prohibited from disclosing special activity expenses, so they do not disclose them," he added.

Regarding the controversy over First Lady Kim Jung-sook's clothing costs, he refuted by saying, "All of First Lady Kim Jung-sook's clothing expenses were paid out of her own pocket," and that it is absurd to demand the scale and details of her personal expenses.

He also expressed frustration, saying, "We (the Blue House) also have complaints about whether it is acceptable to continue to disgrace a president who has devoted and served for five years and is leaving at the end of the term."

Regarding media reports that the Chanel clothing worn by the First Lady differs from the clothing exhibited at the National Hangeul Museum, he said, "They explain it that way, but it does not subside," and added, "The media outlet in question also announced today that it will issue a correction."

On the controversy over the appointment of the CEO of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, he drew a clear line, saying, "The Blue House was completely unaware and, as it is a private company, has never intervened in personnel matters."

Regarding the approval of the supplementary budget related to the 36 billion won scale relocation of the presidential office on the same day, he explained, "The president clearly stated that the relocation of the office is the responsibility of the next administration. The concerns have been resolved through mutual cooperation and consultation," and added, "What was passed today is not the entire amount. There will be a thorough review and processing of the remaining amount requested by the transition team."