[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] The Presidential Office announced on the 21st that President Yoon Seok-yeol is scheduled to meet with the National Assembly's Speaker and Deputy Speakers soon.
A senior official from the Presidential Office told reporters at the Yongsan Presidential Office building that morning regarding the meeting between the National Assembly's Speaker and the President, "Actually, I said in advance that 'if there is an opportunity, it would be good for the President to have a meeting with the Speaker and Deputy Speakers,' but since the parliamentary organization has not been formed yet, some might say whether they can leisurely have a meal with the President, and it seems the Speaker and Deputy Speakers might feel burdened."
As the senior official continued speaking, the parliamentary organization negotiations were concluded, and he said, "That's good," adding, "With the parliamentary organization formed, the President can have a meeting to discuss matters related to the regular session of the National Assembly. The President will likely have various requests," mentioning the three major reforms and tax system restructuring that require parliamentary approval.
He continued, "I think it would be good to meet the Speaker and Deputy Speakers first and have a drink of soju," adding, "Since the vacation period is approaching, whether it will be in early August depends on the situation. I think it is better to hear the National Assembly's opinion as soon as possible."
Regarding President Yoon's morning remarks on the pardon of former President Lee Myung-bak, saying "We will proceed with a future-oriented approach while carefully considering public sentiment," when asked if this meant that pardoning politicians is burdensome, the official replied, "Since the President is the final decision-maker, it cannot be without burden," adding, "As it is early in the administration, I think they will look at it broadly and decide. The Ministry of Justice is handling the practical work, so it would be better to ask the Ministry of Justice."
When asked if the opposition had ever requested a pardon for former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyung-soo, he said, "No comment," avoiding a direct answer. Regarding the question, "The Democratic Party of Korea reportedly requested a pardon from Prime Minister Han Duck-soo," he said, "I understand that Prime Minister Han has recently contacted many opposition figures he knew in the past," adding, "He is someone who will perform his role well."
The official also addressed questions about the controversy over private recruitment at the Presidential Office and Yoon's core aides (Yoonhaekgwan), saying, "Both the recruiters and the recruits must be fair. It is difficult to bring in political or special appointment positions without any connection in normal times," but emphasized, "If any issues are revealed later, they must be addressed." However, regarding the concurrent positions held by frontline administrative officers, he explained using expressions such as "lack of caution" and "administrative error."
Regarding the signs of conflict between Kwon Seong-dong, the acting leader of the People Power Party and floor leader, and Representative Jang Je-won, who are considered representative Yoonhaekgwan within the ruling party, he said, "Although the two may express themselves harshly when necessary, which can cause misunderstandings, their relationship is good," adding, "Both are people who can sacrifice for the success of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration."
He also said, "Core aides have existed in every era, but Representative Lee Jun-seok (People Power Party) was the first to use the term (Yoonhaekgwan). From the listener's perspective, it seems unpleasant."
Regarding the criticism that President Yoon's approval rating has declined since Representative Lee's disciplinary action, he stated, "In some Central Election Commission (registered) polls, there is a high public opinion that the disciplinary action against Representative Lee was appropriate. Then, paradoxically, it is possible to analyze how much that affects (the approval rating)," drawing a line against the criticism that the disciplinary action negatively impacted President Yoon's approval rating.
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