South Korean Prime Minister Visits Former President Moon Jae-in: "Strict Action Needed Against Insults Crossing the Line and Illegal Protests"

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo "Asks for Support to Help the New Government Manage State Affairs Well"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] Prime Minister Han Duck-soo visited Pyeongsan Village in Yangsan, Gyeongnam on the 16th to pay a courtesy call on former President Moon Jae-in, emphasizing, "Legitimate assemblies and demonstrations must be respected, but abusive language and illegal protests that cross the line must be strictly dealt with according to the law."

Prime Minister Han visited former President Moon's residence in Pyeongsan Village, Yangsan, around 4 p.m. that day and had a conversation for about 40 minutes, later stating this on his social media platform Facebook.

First, Prime Minister Han said, "We shared simple daily stories in Pyeongsan Village, as well as discussed the difficulties and seriousness of the domestic and international economic situation, and recent international affairs such as the Ukraine crisis."

He added, "As Prime Minister, it was an occasion to greet the former president and seek advice on state affairs. I asked for support so that the new government could manage state affairs well, and former President Moon responded positively."

Prime Minister Han emphasized, "The scenery of Pyeongsan Village is truly beautiful. However, the village is suffering due to assemblies taking place throughout the area. Legitimate assemblies and demonstrations must be respected, but abusive language and illegal protests that cross the line must be strictly dealt with according to the law."

This visit is interpreted as part of Prime Minister Han's 'unification efforts' to show respect by meeting the former president as the prime minister of the new government.

Regarding this, Prime Minister Han also pledged, "For the success of the new government, I will always listen carefully to advice from various people, including former presidents, and strive to create a united Republic of Korea."

Prime Minister Han and former President Moon have experience working together during the Roh Moo-hyun administration. When former President Moon served as Chief of Staff to the late President Roh Moo-hyun from 2007 to 2008, Prime Minister Han was the last prime minister of the Roh administration.

Prime Minister Han also met former President Moon at the 13th anniversary memorial service for former President Roh held on the 23rd of last month in Bongha Village, Gimhae, Gyeongnam.