[Yongsan Report] "Press Conference, Both the President and Insiders Are Satisfied," Self-Evaluation

Presidential Office "Positive Evaluation"... Opposition Criticizes as 'Self-Praise'
Medical School Expansion, Yoon-Han Conflict and Other Pending Issues Accumulate
Yongsan "Party-Government Policy Line Settled" Statement Amid Rising Concerns

The ruling and opposition parties sharply diverged in their evaluations of President Yoon Suk-yeol's approximately 130-minute-long national briefing and press conference. The ruling party assessed it as "reflecting a commitment to the people's livelihood." The opposition harshly criticized it as "self-praise." Inside the presidential office, the prevailing reaction was that "the president clearly explained his policy intentions."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

A senior official from the presidential office told Asia Economy on the 30th, "The president clearly stated his direction and will. The specific details will be announced by the relevant ministries," adding, "Both the president and internal evaluations were satisfied with the national briefing and press conference." The overall atmosphere suggests it will have a positive effect on pushing reforms forward.

Another presidential office official explained, "Among past presidents, there have not been many cases where they clearly expressed their stance on policies like this," and added, "Because it was reviewed in advance, there is confidence." In fact, President Yoon showed somewhat agitated behavior when answering questions related to medical reform, which has recently been a major public concern. This was in response to the withdrawal of residents from the field amid the government's push to increase medical school admissions. President Yoon raised his voice, saying, "I said we would review it with an open mind, but the medical community says no unconditionally," and "The government will definitely accomplish this." The ruling party evaluated this as a clear indication of President Yoon's strong will for reform.

President Yoon Suk-yeol is answering questions from the press during a national briefing and press conference held at the briefing room of the Presidential Office building in Yongsan, Seoul, on the morning of the 29th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

However, concerns remain regarding the increase in medical school admissions and communication between the ruling party and government despite President Yoon's explanation the previous day. President Yoon did not attend the People Power Party's retreat for the first time since his inauguration, and Han Dong-hoon, the party leader, also left during the presidential office's medical reform report at the retreat, causing a mismatch. The positions of the presidential office and Leader Han regarding the ongoing medical service gap situation still differ. There is a possibility that the issue may resurface. However, a presidential office official stated, "Following yesterday's People Power Party retreat, the party-government line has been somewhat settled."