[The Editors' Verdict] Yoon Suk-yeol's Alcohol, Moon Jae-in's Books

President Yoon Suk-yeol is greeting former President Moon Jae-in at the inauguration ceremony of the 20th president held at the National Assembly on the 10th. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy, So Jong-seop, Political and Social Affairs Editor] If the symbolic word for former President Moon Jae-in is "book," then the symbolic word for President Yoon Suk-yeol is "alcohol." This does not mean one is superior to the other. It simply means they are different. Books and alcohol are not a compatible combination. Books are static, while alcohol is dynamic. Books are academic, and alcohol is active. Generally, books are read alone, while alcohol is consumed together. Reading a book is connected to contemplation, whereas drinking alcohol often leads to expression.

In the past, Ahn Min-seok, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, once said, "I wish President Moon Jae-in would stop reading books so much and meet people." It is known that when Moon was president, he would read after returning to the presidential residence. He was said to prefer meeting books over meeting people. As a result, unlike former President Roh Moo-hyun, there were almost no instances of him calling aides to have dynamic late-night discussions on current issues. Those who closely assisted former President Moon also expressed disappointment, saying, "He doesn't call me to the Blue House." From another perspective, it can be seen that former President Moon found so-called 'face-to-face communication' difficult. That was his temperament. Therefore, during Moon's presidency, it was rare to hear someone say, "I went to the Blue House and had dinner." Although he was a president who advocated 'communication,' ironically, this was a major reason why 'communication' became an issue.

Regarding President Yoon, 'alcohol' often comes up. During his entry into politics, drinking gatherings with politicians were frequently exposed to the media. During the presidential campaign, he said, "With samgyeopsal and soju, I campaign with a joyful heart." Recently, he even proposed to opposition party leaders, "Let's have a glass of soju with samgyeopsal." Although the presidential office denied reports that staff were allowed to drink during the day, such reports surfaced.

President Yoon has been known as a heavy drinker since his time at the prosecution. There are many legendary stories related to drinking gatherings. An official who worked with Yoon at the prosecution described him as "unbeatable." A political figure who had several drinking sessions with Yoon during the presidential candidacy said, "I have never seen him share a bomb shot." They were surprised to see him always drink it in one go. Yoon and alcohol might be like needle and thread.

Since drinking gatherings involve others, there can be advantages to 'face-to-face communication.' If it harmonizes with President Yoon's temperament, who enjoys meeting people, drinking could serve as a lubricant in creating a culture of cooperation between ruling and opposition parties. This is why active evening gatherings are expected to be held soon at the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, which is set to open shortly. However, there are also risks. Drinking usually weakens self-control. If the president's remarks become lengthy and unnecessary words pour out, message confusion may occur. At that point, communication is no longer the issue; organization becomes necessary. Former lawmaker Lee Jae-oh's comment in a broadcast interview, "The president must also exercise restraint at drinking gatherings. He should drink when discussing cooperation with the opposition," is noteworthy for this reason.