[Gwanga in] Han Deok-su, Dinner at Prime Minister's Residence with Study Group Members... "Listening to Current Issues"

Prime Minister Han Hosts Dinner with Couple from 'Yangji Economic Research Association'
Discusses Political and Economic Issues Including 3 Major Reforms
Engaged in Candid Discussions on Current Issues Since Tenure as Director at Ministry of Commerce

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Song Seung-seop] Prime Minister Han Deok-su held a private meeting with members of the study group ‘Yangji Economic Research Association.’ Although it was a private gathering, the members conveyed their opinions on current issues to Prime Minister Han without reservation. Discussions also took place regarding the policy direction and principles pursued by the Yoon Seok-yeol administration.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo

According to the Prime Minister’s Office on the 18th, on the 19th of last month, Prime Minister Han held a private dinner with spouses at the Prime Minister’s official residence with members of the ‘Yangji Economic Research Association.’ Most of the members who have a close relationship with the Prime Minister attended. Since it was not an official event, no specific topics or presenters were designated, and conversations were exchanged in a relaxed atmosphere.

During the dinner, discussions covered Korea’s politics, economy, and society in general, with members expressing not only personal thoughts but also critical opinions. In particular, Prime Minister Han received members’ views on the so-called three major reforms (pension, labor, education). President Yoon Seok-yeol, who has emphasized these three reforms since the government’s inauguration, declared this year as the inaugural year of reform and stated that labor reform would be implemented as a top priority.

The Yangji Economic Research Association was established on September 9, 1991, by Kim Kwang-du, Director of the National Future Research Institute, and former Prime Minister Chung Un-chan. Its purpose is to contribute to the development of the national economy by promoting accurate analysis and understanding of economic issues. It consists of about 30 members, including academics, bureaucrats, and businesspeople. Prime Minister Han joined the group in the early 1990s when he served as director at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The current chairman is Lee Jae-woo, CEO of Bogofund.

The name ‘Yangji’ means ‘to observe and understand correctly,’ a name personally given by the late Professor Cho Soon, an honorary professor at Seoul National University who passed away on June 23 last year. Professor Cho was a figure who nurtured many disciples in the economics department and founded the so-called ‘Cho Soon School.’ Among the founding members, former Prime Minister Chung is regarded as the closest prot?g? of Professor Cho within the school. Prime Minister Han is one year junior to former Prime Minister Chung at Gyeonggi High School and Seoul National University’s Department of Economics.

The Prime Minister Calls for Advice Following Honest Evaluations

Since its establishment, the research association has attracted attention by holding regular study meetings for over 30 years and inviting prominent figures. In March 1993, a seminar on the Uruguay Round and agricultural negotiations was held at the Press Center, attended by Choi Yang-bu, then Deputy Director of the Korea Rural Economic Institute and former Senior Secretary for Agriculture and Fisheries at the Blue House. In April 1994, then Deputy Prime Minister Jung Jae-seok personally served as a lecturer at the association’s economic policy seminar.

The longevity of the research association is attributed to its principles of ‘off the record’ and ‘equality among members.’ Although leaders and authorities from various industries gather, the content of their conversations rarely leaks outside. As a kind of study group, there is a consensus that discussions must be kept strictly confidential to allow frank debate. Also, to exchange honest thoughts without relying on authority, no special protocol or preferential treatment is given to high-ranking officials. Although two prime ministers have emerged from the group, early members still address each other as ‘Mr. Chung Un-chan’ and ‘Mr. Han Deok-su.’

One association official explained, “There are many such groups in Japan,” and added, “The research association does not give special treatment just because someone attains a high position.” Another official hinted, “It is our custom not to disclose the fact of gathering or the content of conversations,” but also revealed, “At the Prime Minister’s official residence last month, members spoke frankly with Prime Minister Han about current issues.”

Prime Minister Han is also known to call members for advice when he needs evaluations or counsel on policies. Since they speak frankly, even critically of the current government and himself, without risk of disclosure, he values their input. In a phone interview with Asia Economy, Prime Minister Han said, “They always give me candid opinions,” and added, “As experts in economics and society, I listened to various opinions on Korea’s current economic and social issues at last month’s meeting.”