Communication Issues Between Yoon Administration and Staff... "Need to Find Ways to Reduce Mistakes" Criticism

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] After President Yoon Seok-yeol stated that the Ministry of Employment and Labor's labor policy briefing was "not yet the official government position," the presidential office issued related explanations for two consecutive days.

However, following the controversy over the reversal of the police commissioner appointment, President Yoon and the government have repeatedly been out of sync, raising concerns about communication issues between the presidential office and government ministries, with calls for improvement measures.

According to the presidential office on the 27th, after President Yoon's remarks regarding the Ministry of Employment and Labor briefing, the presidential office provided explanations through a briefing for officials on the 24th and a press release on the 25th.

Earlier, on the 24th, President Yoon commented on the Ministry of Employment and Labor's announcement about considering expanding the calculation of extended working hours from a weekly to a monthly basis, saying, "It was reported in the media that I had not been briefed," and added, "I have instructed to review labor time flexibility, but this has not yet been announced as the official government position."

Subsequently, a presidential office official cited President Yoon's remarks at a private research group meeting, explaining that the Ministry of Employment and Labor's related briefing was part of the national agenda, and that a bill would be prepared through discussion procedures involving stakeholders from labor, management, academia, and others in the research group.

Some speculated that President Yoon, who campaigned on labor market flexibility centered on the 52-hour workweek system, might have stepped back due to the summer struggle (Hatu). In response, the presidential office issued a press release stating, "President Yoon's remarks clarify that the widely reported change to a monthly basis for 12 hours of weekly extended work is not a confirmed government policy," and added, "However, labor market reform tasks such as working hours flexibility are clear directives from President Yoon, and specific plans will be discussed through a private expert research group."

Criticism over the discord between the presidential office and the government is growing in political circles. While presidential office officials explained this as a "misunderstanding-based incident" that occurred during President Yoon's brief doorstepping, it is difficult for many to accept this explanation easily.

Woo Sang-ho, Emergency Committee Chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea, criticized at a regular press briefing held at the National Assembly the day before, saying, "If the minister's announcement is not the official position, then whose announcement is the official position?" and added, "The public cannot understand whether they should interpret the minister's announcement as the government's position. The president's remarks are very shocking."

He also stated, "Considering these issues comprehensively, it seems there is a problem with the reporting system within the presidential office. According to my investigation, the policy announcement by the Minister of Employment and Labor was confirmed to have been coordinated with the Blue House (presidential office). The police commissioner appointment was also discussed with officials from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and some details were reported to the Blue House," he claimed.

A political insider commented on the recent controversies, saying, "It is difficult to criticize the Ministry of Employment and Labor briefing and the police announcement as being of the same nature. However, since repeated confusion is occurring, efforts are needed for the presidential office and the government to review the communication system and find improvement measures."