Opposition Criticizes President Moon's Interview... "Nothing Has Changed Since the MB and Park Administrations Were Blamed"

President Moon Meets Sohn Seok-hee: "Global Phenomenon of Rising Real Estate Prices... Need to Consider Structural Causes"

President Moon Jae-in is attending and speaking at the Senior Secretary Meeting held at the Yeoumin Hall of the Blue House on the 25th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Criticism is pouring in from the opposition parties immediately after the airing of the interview "JTBC Dialogue, Moon Jae-in's 5 Years," conducted by former anchor Sohn Seok-hee with President Moon Jae-in on the 25th.

Park Min-young, spokesperson for the People Power Party, pointed out in a post on her Facebook that "I now understand well why President Moon had no choice but to adopt mysticism. There is not a bit of difference from the time when he blamed the Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye administrations whenever something happened."

She sarcastically added, "Thanks to that, the people, despite many regrets, must have sighed in relief that a regime change was achieved. I really appreciate you showing your bare face as it is, leaving no trace of sympathy."

Former Saenuri Party (the predecessor of the People Power Party) lawmaker Jeon Yeo-ok also expressed critical opinions regarding President Moon's interview.

Jeon posted on Facebook, "(President Moon) claims he did well even with real estate, but it makes me furious. The reasons for the rise in real estate prices are 'other countries also experienced a surge,' 'the number of single-person households increased significantly,' and 'a lot of money was pumped in due to COVID-19.' In other words, it’s not my fault," she pointed out.

She continued, "He blatantly twists President-elect Yoon Seok-youl’s move to the Yongsan office like a twisted doughnut. Then why did President Moon make such a fuss about opening the 'Gwanghwamun era'?"

She also said, "The highlight I saw today was 'I have never stepped into the ring,' meaning that he said it was not his responsibility that the regime was not reestablished in the presidential election. For my mental health, I plan not to watch part two tomorrow."

Earlier that day, President Moon said in the dialogue with former anchor Sohn that regarding the real estate issue, "The rise in real estate prices is a global phenomenon. Among countries with a similar level to ours, the increase in real estate prices in our country is among the smallest."

He added, "I am not trying to evade responsibility with that, but we need to look at it from a global perspective," and explained, "During the COVID-19 period, a lot of fiscal spending was released, naturally increasing liquidity, and with low interest rates, people took out loans to buy real estate, leading to 'Youngkkeun' (investing by pulling together all one’s resources). Because of this, real estate demand increased. Only by considering structural causes together can a fair evaluation be made."

Regarding the failure to reestablish the regime, President Moon said, "The evaluation of our government also played a role," but added, "I have never stepped into the ring even once." He continued, "Since I am from the Democratic Party, I could neither support our party’s candidate nor say a word. I have never stepped into the ring, so it seems problematic to say that I lost the election because of the current administration."