[How About This Book] What Makes a Good National Event Planning... 'Sincerity' Must Be Combined with 'Detail'

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo Mideum] "The President of the Republic of Korea is now entering. Please all stand up and welcome him with a big round of applause."

Former Blue House Protocol Secretary Tak Hyun-min conducted 1,195 national events over 1,825 days. He said, "I don't think grand discourses, ideologies, or world-shaking major events are important," and he focused on conveying sincerity through details.

His innovative productions often became topics of discussion. To emphasize the president's call for carbon neutrality, he designed the broadcast screen in black and white, which attracted significant attention both domestically and internationally. The 'After-Work Beer' event, where the president shared beer with citizens on their way home, was unprecedented. Not only that, during the 69th Armed Forces Day, he shifted the event to the evening and used darkness to create a captivating production. At the Panmunjom Summit, while the South and North Korean leaders were seated, a '15-second blackout' was used to highlight natural sounds like insects, frogs, and wind, creating a peaceful atmosphere that drew worldwide attention.

The book contains not only his sincerity and attention to detail toward the people but also the sincerity and detail he felt from the president. He recalled, "I don't clearly remember the President's speech on March 1, 2021, but I vividly remember the president's words and gaze telling me to replace the wet blanket of the late patriot Lim Woo-cheol during the rainy ceremony." He added, "I believe that ultimately, memories and comfort come from such small things. The people will also remember and long for the Moon Jae-in administration through these small stories."

Throughout his tenure, former Secretary Tak endured criticism that he was 'putting on a show.' The more successful the events he planned were, the harsher the criticism became, but he was unfazed. He believed that "good politics is about showing the truth and sincerity to the people," and he was less resistant to such 'showing' being regarded as a 'show.' However, he firmly stated that there was no insincere show.

One example is the relocation of the Blue House to Gwanghwamun, which was a campaign pledge of former President Moon Jae-in. During the practical review process for the relocation, unexpected issues such as security concerns and astronomical relocation costs were identified, forcing the plan to be reversed. He emphasized that if it were merely for show, it would have been better to proceed with the relocation, but the Moon Jae-in Blue House did not make that choice. He also pointed out as a regrettable aspect that the Yoon Suk-yeol administration's presidential office relocation lacked thorough planning, public consent, expert consultation, and sufficient time.

Mr. President | Written by Tak Hyun-min | Medici Media | 436 pages | 22,000 KRW