[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in pointed out that the prosecution's investigation into former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk had "many coincidental aspects" and could be seen as having a purpose. Regarding Justice Minister nominee Han Dong-hoon's expression of 'blocking the complete removal of prosecution's investigative authority,' he called it a "dangerous expression."
On the evening of the 25th, during a conversation with former anchor Sohn Suk-hee broadcast on JTBC, President Moon said this while adding the premise that "it is difficult to make a hasty judgment because the next president was leading the flow at the time."
President Moon said, "I will not make a definitive judgment," but added, "Looking at the (prosecution's) investigation method, there were many coincidental parts, so it can be seen as having a purpose or intention." When asked about his past remark that he felt a "debt of gratitude" toward former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk and whether that feeling remains unchanged, he said, "The pain that he and his family went through is heartbreaking."
Regarding Justice Minister nominee Han Dong-hoon's statement that he would "definitely block" the complete removal of prosecution's investigative authority (Geomsu Wanbak), President Moon said, "Using expressions like 'definitely block' is inappropriate," and added, "It is possible to say that one does not support the ongoing separation of investigative authority between the prosecution and police or that a more thorough process is needed."
Earlier, on the 13th, nominee Han had stated, "The passage of this bill must be blocked."
Regarding the presidential election and the factors behind his defeat, President Moon said, "Evaluations of our government probably played a role," and diagnosed, "The election was fought negatively. The values, philosophy, and policy advantages that the Democratic Party candidate had were buried as a result." On President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol's victory, he responded, "It is an ironic matter."
He also expressed regret about his high approval ratings toward the end of his term, saying, "What use is it when the administration has changed?"
Regarding the 'Protect Moon Jae-in' slogan from the hardline supporters during the election, he called it "an election slogan" and rhetorically asked, "Who would come to protect me?" About the 'hardcore fandom,' he said, "True support is support that expands," and pointed out, "Support that causes people with different thoughts to distance themselves is not support for those who support."
On the widening wealth gap due to rising real estate prices during his tenure, he expressed regret. President Moon said, "Real estate prices rose, and globally, wealth gaps have deepened due to COVID-19 and other factors. For us, who aim for equality, this is a part we could not overcome and is regrettable."
However, he evaluated that income inequality was significantly alleviated during his term. Regarding the rise in real estate prices, he added, "Globally, liquidity increased due to COVID-19 fiscal support," implying that the global rise in real estate prices influenced domestic real estate price increases. President Moon said, "The real estate issue was the heaviest burden," and added, "I hope the stabilization trend continues toward the end of my term."
In response to criticism that the minimum wage increase caused difficulties for self-employed business owners, he said, "The 10,000 won minimum wage was a common pledge among all candidates and parties in the last presidential election (2017)," but also expressed, "I always feel sorry for the small business owners and self-employed who suffered."
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