Tak Hyun Min: "Presidential souvenirs like watches are necessary... Trump even sells them"

"Citizen Recommendation System Requires Thorough Vetting"

Regarding President Lee Jae Myung's announcement to produce presidential watches as gifts, former Blue House protocol secretary Tak Hyun Min stated, "It is necessary to create commemorative items to be presented at events hosted or organized by the presidential office during the five-year term."

On June 11, during an appearance on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong Bae's Focus,' Tak said, "Other countries also have presidential souvenirs," adding, "While it may not be the best example, former U.S. President Donald Trump actively utilized and sold such items." He continued, "Given the high expectations people have for President Lee, there will naturally be a desire to own commemorative items. As long as they are not made too expensively or extravagantly, a watch should be acceptable. I would like to have one myself."

President Lee Jae Myung delivers the 21st presidential inauguration speech at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on June 4, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyun Min

Regarding President Lee's announcement to implement a 'citizen recommendation system' for major public office candidates such as ministers and vice ministers, Tak evaluated the idea as "innovative and worth trying." He explained, "If personnel appointments were decided 100% by recommendation, strange things could happen. However, this system involves receiving recommendations, then having the Office of Public Office Discipline conduct a proper vetting process before making appointments." He added, "While it has been customary for only those in relevant fields or personnel officials to make recommendations, this now appears to mean giving the entire public the opportunity to recommend, while maintaining the existing vetting and decision-making process."

Nevertheless, he advised that "personnel vetting must be thorough." Tak cautioned, "The public may have hopes and desires regarding candidates for public office, but there will inevitably be a gap with reality. When selecting someone from outside the existing talent pool, the vetting process is especially important. Even a small mistake could turn the system itself into a subject of ridicule."

Regarding President Lee's active communication via social networking services (SNS), Tak commented, "This is a stage that requires experimentation." He said, "This administration declared it would communicate actively with the public and took power on that basis, so it is able to do so. However, if new approaches are to be tried, proper procedures must also be established, and I believe there will be a need for a process of deliberation." President Lee is actively engaging in direct communication through SNS, such as introducing state affairs on Facebook.