Minju: "President Yoon Should Reflect the People's Will in Appointing Prime Minister and Chief of Staff"

Criticism of "Ignoring General Election Results" in Successor Speculation

The Democratic Party of Korea urged that "President Yoon Seok-yeol must carry out personnel appointments reflecting the will of the people" in relation to President Yoon's plan for personnel reshuffle following the April 10 National Assembly general election.

Senior Spokesperson Kwon Chil-seung of the Democratic Party of Korea
[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 13th, Kwon Chil-seung, the senior spokesperson of the Democratic Party, stated at a National Assembly briefing, "The government and ruling party should properly understand and seriously accept what the stern judgment of the people means, and show a changed appearance starting with the appointment of the prime minister and the selection of aides in the presidential office."

Regarding the rumored successors for the presidential chief of staff and prime minister within the ruling party, Senior Spokesperson Kwon criticized, "Considering the profiles of the candidates, it is doubtful whether the president is seriously accepting the public sentiment revealed in the general election," adding, "The reckless communication blackout will continue."

President Yoon is reportedly expected to replace Chief of Staff Lee Gwan-seop as early as the 14th. Names circulating for the new chief of staff include former Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong, Kim Han-gil, chairman of the National Integration Committee, and Jang Je-won, a member of the People Power Party. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who has expressed his intention to resign, is also likely to be replaced, with potential successors including People Power Party members Joo Ho-young and Kwon Young-se, as well as Chairman Kim.

Senior Spokesperson Kwon criticized these moves, saying, "If such personnel appointments are made, they will be 'recycling appointments,' 'appointments of close aides,' and 'appointments of favors' for those who should be held responsible," and pointed out, "It is an attempt to ignore the election results and defeat the people."

Meanwhile, Senior Spokesperson Kwon also argued regarding the handling of the 'Special Prosecutor Act on the alleged external pressure in the Marine Corps Corporal Chae case' that "the government and ruling party's reflection, introspection, and reform of state affairs must begin with accepting the Special Prosecutor Act."

He emphasized, "The incompetence in failing to protect the safety and lives of the people, the irresponsibility in uncovering the truth of the incident, and the audacity to conceal the truth are a condensed version of the total administrative disorder revealed under the Yoon Seok-yeol administration," adding, "Since the majority of the people support the Special Prosecutor Act, the ruling party should approach the handling of the act with a sense of 'duty,' not 'cooperation.'" He further added, "If President Yoon exercises his veto power against the Special Prosecutor Act passed by the National Assembly, it would be a rejection of the public will revealed in the general election."