Tak Hyun-min: "Yongsan Symbolizing 'Insurrection and Coup'... Must Return to Cheongwadae"

"It Should Be Technically Possible to Mitigate Security Issues"

Citizens are moving to watch at the entrance of Cheongwadae. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

Amid growing interest in the next president's office during the early presidential election period, former Blue House Protocol Secretary Tak Hyun-min expressed the opinion that "as someone who has worked at the Blue House, it is impossible to remain in Yongsan" and that it would be appropriate to move back to the Blue House.

On the 10th, Tak said on CBS Radio's 'Park Jae-hong's One-on-One Match,' "The biggest concerns are security and eavesdropping issues, but it has already been confirmed that Yongsan's security has been breached."

He continued, "With the recent dismissal of former President Yoon Seok-yeol, Yongsan has gained symbolic significance related to conspiracy of rebellion and coup d'?tat," adding, "National events and the dignity of the state are closely linked to the president's working place. If such a space becomes a symbol of coup and rebellion conspiracies, can that space continue to be used? It is impossible."

He also pointed out that maintaining the Yongsan office is a financial burden. He said, "(The move to Yongsan) is underway, and there are military and government facilities that need to be relocated sequentially," adding, "I question whether we should keep pouring money into that, especially since some Blue House facilities are still in use. Why continue this foolishness?"

However, since the Blue House has been open to the public for over three years, various security issues have been raised. Tak said, "There should be technical and mechanical ways to sufficiently mitigate or eliminate these problems."

Yongsan Presidential Office exterior. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

He explained, "When going on overseas trips, the state guesthouse or hotels provided by the host country are used, and many sensitive diplomatic topics must be discussed confidentially during these trips," adding, "In such exposed situations, discussions are not held openly. There are devices to prevent eavesdropping and facilities like tents." He added, "Security concerns are a burden no matter where you move."

Regarding the dismissal of former President Yoon, he said, "I thought he was someone who couldn't last even three years because he touched too many things," and added, "After that, I was amazed by the power to return to one's place. Although the systems that make up society have ups and downs, from a macro perspective, there definitely seems to be a driving force to find its place."