Moon Administration Launches 'Sa-ui-jae'... "Prior Explanation to Representative Lee Jae-myung"

Launch of Moon Jae-in Government Personnel Policy Forum
Pro-Moon Faction Consolidates, Draws Line Amid Political Speculation
"Reflecting and Preparing Seriously for the Future"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] "(It is) a small room in the inn where Dasan Jeong Yak-yong stayed for several years. It is the space where he gathered his thoughts again, taught his students, and began compiling numerous writings."

Do Jong-hwan, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea and former Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism under the Moon Jae-in administration, said this on the 18th during an appearance on YTN Radio's 'News King Park Ji-hoon.' He was explaining the background behind naming the policy forum 'Sa-ui-jae,' launched under the Moon Jae-in government.

Do said, "Although power was lost, it was a space where reflection and reform were pursued without abandoning dreams, and where numerous writings began to be compiled. We thought it fitting to name our forum after this, as we also want to reflect on our shortcomings, inherit parts that can be organized as achievements, and propose alternatives for a progressive future for the country."

Do Jong-hwan, Democratic Party of Korea / Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

Sa-ui-jae is a policy forum involving key figures from the Moon Jae-in government, including ministers and senior secretaries from the Blue House. Active members of the National Assembly, like Do, also participate. Although there are views that this is a consolidation of pro-Moon forces ahead of the general election in April next year, Do drew a clear line.

Do said, "Regarding policy, there may have been parts we failed to properly reflect on while directly implementing policies. We also need to examine areas where we made mistakes and consider ways to overcome limitations together."

Regarding investigations and audits targeting the Moon Jae-in government, Do said, "I worry that we are moving toward a prosecutorial state. Many say that democracy and the rule of law should not regress, but they are. I am concerned that as achievements collapse, the nation's dignity is declining."

When asked about former President Moon Jae-in’s communication regarding the launch of Sa-ui-jae, Do explained, "He has not made any special remarks or expressed opinions about this forum. However, in his farewell speech, the President expressed hope and expectation that the new government would inherit and develop the accumulated achievements of previous administrations so that Korea’s history continues."

Do also addressed the perception of the forum as a consolidation of pro-Moon forces. He said, "There are people referred to as ‘pro-Moon,’ as well as career public officials, experts, and scholars. The government is not operated by a specific faction. So, I hope people do not think too narrowly of this as a gathering limited to ‘pro-Moon’ members, but rather as a public forum where diverse individuals come together."

In particular, Do emphasized, "I sometimes question whether evaluating and reflecting on the Moon Jae-in government’s policy achievements and responding to the Lee Jae-myung faction are connected. I explained the forum’s founding to Representative Lee Jae-myung in advance and had a conversation. I also assured him that this is not a meeting created out of such concerns."

Meanwhile, regarding the bookstore that former President Moon plans to open in Pyeongsan Village, Do said, "Buying and selling books, reading, discussing books, and holding concerts?thinking that this is being turned into a political space might be an overinterpretation."