Yoon Expresses Regret Over "Lack of Public Communication" Amid Criticism of Office Relocation
Prime Minister nominee Han Duck-soo is responding to questions from lawmakers at the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 3rd. 2022.5.3 Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Son Seon-hee] Han Duck-soo, the nominee for Prime Minister, expressed on the 3rd that "If South Korea stays out, the biggest beneficiary will probably be Japan" regarding the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and stated that South Korea should actively pursue membership.
At the National Assembly confirmation hearing that day, in response to a question from Choi Hyung-doo, a member of the People Power Party, about the CPTPP, Han said, "The issue of external openness is about expanding our overall economic territory."
The CPTPP is a multilateral free trade agreement (FTA) formed by 11 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, effectively serving as an economic alliance to counter China.
Han said, "If we are excluded from multilateral free trade involving many countries, it will be truly disadvantageous," adding, "By actively participating, we must maintain a driving force for our growth in the world."
Meanwhile, regarding the public criticism over President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol's office relocation, Han expressed regret, saying, "I think there was a lack of time to explain and communicate this to the public more thoroughly."
Also, concerning the controversy sparked the previous day when Han himself said at the hearing, "I have never called myself a 'responsible prime minister,'" he explained the intent by saying, "It is excessive to boast about authority too much in front of the public." He emphasized, "If I become Prime Minister, I will exercise firm authority as a responsible prime minister."
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