On June 20, the Presidential National Policy Planning Committee under the Lee Jaemyung administration suspended work reports from the prosecution, the Korea Communications Commission, and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries in succession. This move is seen as an effort to reinforce discipline within the public sector.
Lee Hanju, Chairman of the National Policy Planning Committee, is giving a speech at the prosecution office work report held at the Government Seoul Office Changseongdong Annex in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the morning of the 20th. Photo by Jo Yongjun
Cho Seungrae, spokesperson for the National Policy Planning Committee, held a briefing at the Changseongdong Annex of the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 20th. Regarding the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries' work report held earlier at the Sejong Convention Center, he explained, "The report materials were unilaterally leaked before the work report, and the Ministry's explanation and attitude regarding this were unclear." He added, "The division head decided to suspend the report, judging that the report had become meaningless."
He further stated, "Similarly, during the prosecution's work report held in the morning, there was a lack of review regarding the President's key pledges." He continued, "We requested that they prepare measures to implement the pledges based on a thorough understanding of the President's commitments."
The work report from the Korea Communications Commission, held at the Government Gwacheon Complex on the same day, was also suspended. Regarding this, spokesperson Cho said, "There was no sign of reflection or willingness to improve regarding the policy failures of the previous Yoon Sukyeol administration, nor was there a clear commitment to the independence and public nature of broadcasting." He added, "Considering that measures to restore public trust are insufficient, we decided to reschedule the work report."
Spokesperson Cho emphasized, "The launch of a new administration is the result of the manifestation of popular sovereignty through the election of the President." He continued, "The significance of ministry work reports lies in the new government, chosen by the people, presenting its plans for understanding and concretely realizing its pledges."
He further stressed, "It is appropriate to view this as a process in which the President and public officials of the new administration pool their wisdom and strength to resolve the current crises and abnormalities." He added, "It is a process of sharing the President's philosophy of state affairs, unifying perspectives, and creating a shared vision."
He also pointed out, "If, during this process, there are ministries or public officials who persistently resist new changes or fail to make proper efforts, it would be highly problematic." He added, "Such behavior does not fulfill their duty to the people, nor is it the proper attitude of a public official."
Regarding criticism from People Power Party lawmaker Ahn Cheolsoo, who described the National Policy Planning Committee as an 'occupying force,' he responded, "We are not acting as an occupying force, nor are we trying to discipline or control anyone."
The National Policy Planning Committee has decided to reschedule the work reports from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Korea Communications Commission for the 25th and 26th, respectively. With regard to the prosecution's work report, the Committee requested the submission of relevant materials by the 24th and will reconvene the work report on the 25th.
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