Minority Government and 40% Range Moon Jae-in Approval Rating Create 'Working Cheong' Atmosphere
Final Meeting with Reporters on the 25th
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Although President Moon Jae-in's retirement is just two weeks away, the Blue House remains busy. While preparing for President Moon's move to Yangsan, efforts are also being made to summarize the achievements of the past five years. Unlike other administrations that experienced a 'lame duck' period at the end of their terms, the high approval ratings have maintained a 'working atmosphere' even in the final days of the term.
According to a Blue House official on the 25th, despite the short time left in President Moon's term, the 'working atmosphere' at the Blue House remains unchanged. Recently, Park Soo-hyun, the Chief of Public Communication and the 'voice of the president,' took a three-day leave due to overwork. Upon returning from his leave, he responded to criticism from the Presidential Transition Committee by promoting the Moon administration's economic achievements on social networking services (SNS).
This atmosphere is largely due to President Moon's approval ratings remaining in the 40% range despite various issues. It indicates that the president's influence is still alive. This contrasts with previous presidents whose approval ratings plummeted as their terms neared the end. Recently, amid tensions between the old and new powers over the relocation of the presidential office, aides have been nonstop. The Blue House, empowered by this, saw the conflict between old and new powers reach a level described as the 'longest meeting period,' marking a higher intensity compared to previous regime transitions.
The Blue House has recently focused on wrapping up the past five years of the Moon administration. Starting with the 'Moon Jae-in Government National Report' released on the Blue House website on the 20th of last month, a book titled The Great Nation of the People, containing major policies and interviews with citizens and officials, was published on the 13th of this month. From the 19th to the 22nd, a 'National Documentary' covering the five years of the Moon administration was also broadcast on KTV and YouTube.
On this day, President Moon will meet with the Blue House press corps at an event and meeting held in the afternoon. This will be the first direct face-to-face communication between President Moon and the Blue House reporters in about a year since his special speech on the 4th anniversary of his inauguration last May, effectively marking his last meeting with the press as president.
At this event, President Moon is expected to share his reflections on governing over the past five years and discuss the major achievements and regrets of his administration. There is also a possibility that he will mention his life after retirement, advice for the next government, and key national issues such as the 'complete prosecution reform' and pardons. Additionally, President Moon will reveal his reflections on the five years of governance in an interview with former anchor Sohn Suk-hee, which will be aired on JTBC on the 25th and 26th.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
