Regarding Lee Jun-seok's Disciplinary Proposal, "Position Will Be Announced After Ethics Committee Decision"
[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Bo-ryeong] Amid controversy over the wife of the Presidential Office Personnel Secretary accompanying President Yoon Suk-yeol on his Spain trip and carrying out First Lady Kim Geon-hee's schedule, Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, stated, "If she performed an official role, that much is no problem."
On the 6th, Kwon appeared on KBS Radio's 'Choi Kyung-young's Strongest Current Affairs' and, when asked about reports that the wife of the Personnel Secretary, a civilian, accompanied President Yoon on his Spain trip, said, "There is no law that only public officials must accompany the president during state affairs. If necessary, some civilians can be brought along."
He also mentioned former President Moon Jae-in. Kwon said, "Looking at former President Moon's time, BTS was frequently mobilized," adding, "Whenever BTS traveled abroad, they were mobilized to perform together with former President Moon." BTS attended last year's UN General Assembly as special envoys appointed by former President Moon.
Regarding the question about 'riding the presidential aircraft together during the trip,' Kwon responded, "If they helped, assisted, and supported the official duties during the performance of official work, then they are considered special aides," and added, "Since they are special aides, I don't think riding the presidential aircraft is a big problem."
Expressing concern about the decline in the president's approval rating, Kwon said, "Approval ratings are important because having a high rating provides momentum and confidence for running the government. While approval ratings are not absolute, I consider them a very important indicator."
He continued, "Currently, the economic and livelihood situation is difficult, and we inherited a triple burden from the Moon Jae-in administration, including high interest rates," and said, "If these livelihood issues do not improve and internal party conflicts are not resolved quickly, I believe it will be difficult for the approval rating to rise in a short period."
However, regarding President Yoon's comment that the falling approval rating is 'not very meaningful,' Kwon explained, "It would be stranger if the president said, 'I always worry about approval ratings and get swayed by them.' He made a defensive expression to stay focused and confident, saying, 'I will lead this way.' It is not appropriate to criticize by obsessing over each word."
On the issue of the Ethics Committee's disciplinary review of party leader Lee Jun-seok, Kwon drew a line, saying, "For the floor leader to comment on the independent Ethics Committee's progress or decisions causes further controversy," and added, "I think it is right to express opinions after the independent body has made a decision."
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