[Yongsan Report] Lack of Communication with MZ Generation in the Presidential Office... New Media Secretary Position Vacant for 17 Months

New Media Office Shrinks
"No Staff Available for Direct Reporting"

President Yoon Suk-yeol delivers a commemorative speech at the 105th March 1st Movement Anniversary Ceremony held at the Yu Gwan-sun Memorial Hall in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 1st. [Image source=Yonhap News]

"Wait, did I see that wrong? The phrase for the March 1st Movement Day includes the Japanese military 'Self-Defense Forces'...?"

On the 1st, marking the 105th anniversary of the March 1st Movement, the MZ generation (Millennials + Generation Z) watching the commemorative ceremony attended by President Yoon Suk-yeol widened their eyes in surprise. When reading the event phrase behind President Yoon using the popular MZ generation 'vertical drip' (serodrip), it spells out 'Self-Defense Forces.' Serodrip is a kind of cipher where reading the first letters of horizontally written text vertically creates a new meaning.

This serodrip incident disappointed the MZ generation, who were moved by the unique musical performance of actors dressed in period costumes reciting the Declaration of Independence. Kim Ji-hyun, in her 20s, said, "Hearing the contents of the March 1st Declaration from start to finish through musical actors made me resolute and unexpectedly moved my heart," adding, "But the Self-Defense Forces phrase was a twist." The phrase controversy gradually spread through online communities. The Presidential Office stated, "The phrase was handled by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety," and did not issue a separate official statement.

This incident is also seen as a reflection of the Presidential Office's lack of communication with the MZ generation. In July last year, to strengthen MZ promotion, the New Media Secretary's Office recruited MZ public officials. At that time, the entire New Media Office was filled with '2030s,' making it the only organization in the Presidential Office composed entirely of members under 30, attracting attention. But what about now? The New Media Secretary position has been vacant for 17 months since October 2022. The total staff has shrunk to five, fewer than last year. A senior Presidential Office official said, "We plan to increase Instagram photos and strengthen activities to expand MZ touchpoints," but added, "However, appointing a New Media Secretary will not be easy without even a deputy spokesperson."

Regarding this, a ruling party official said, "Recently, satirical videos of President Yoon on entertainment programs like SNL (SNL Korea Season 5) have been very popular among the MZ generation. However, there are not many senior aides in the Presidential Office who understand MZ culture and can report directly to the President," pointing out, "Although President Yoon recently reiterated at a public discussion that 'youth without cartels are partners in state governance,' the aides seem unable to keep up with the President's detailed vision."