Joo Ho-young "Moon also had issues with eating alone... Support and encouragement needed for presidential diplomatic activities"

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, is attending the party floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on the 23rd and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporters Lee Ji-eun and Kwon Hyun-ji] Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, recently addressed the controversy surrounding President Yoon Suk-yeol's overseas trips, pointing out that "there were also issues with eating alone during President Moon Jae-in's administration" and requested the opposition party to refrain from criticism.

On the morning of the 23rd, during a floor strategy meeting, Floor Leader Joo stated, "The president's diplomatic activities are conducted not as the head of the executive branch but as the head of state of the Republic of Korea, representing the entire nation," he said.

He added, "Even if each party or individual finds certain aspects unsatisfactory, it is necessary to support and encourage these activities carried out to protect national interests as the national representative," and requested the opposition party, saying, "There were various issues with eating alone during President Moon's term as well, but while the president is engaged in diplomatic activities, such matters should not become subjects of political strife that undermine achievements. I hope we can share this perspective."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Before the full-scale preparation for the National Assembly audit, Floor Leader Joo said, "There is a continuing problem where a large number of civilian witnesses are requested, only a few are accepted, and those called are made to talk for long hours while irrelevant questions are asked briefly," and questioned, "I understand that the Democratic Party has formed the Euljiro Committee to prevent abuse of power, but isn't the indiscriminate demand for civilian and corporate chairman witnesses a form of abuse of power by the National Assembly or its members?"

He also urged his party, "Please respond firmly to unreasonable witness demands and engage in negotiations to prevent the indiscriminate humiliation of businesspeople or the acceptance of witnesses aimed at swaying public opinion, especially given the difficult economic situation."

He raised suspicions related to former lawmaker Lee Sang-jik, who was affiliated with the Democratic Party. Floor Leader Joo said, "The police did not conduct a search and seizure during the investigation of the crew recruitment corruption allegations early last year and dismissed the case twice without charges. Moreover, they did not investigate the accusations against the principal, former lawmaker Lee, and even requested the withdrawal of the complaint," emphasizing, "the prosecution must clearly uncover the allegations surrounding Eastar Jet."