Presidential Office States "No Special Position" on Choi Dongseok's Past Remarks Controversy

No Discussion on Special Pardon for Former Leader Cho Kuk

Past remarks made by Choi Dongseok, the Chief of the Ministry of Personnel Management, have continued to stir controversy, but the Presidential Office maintains that there are no special plans to respond.

On July 27, Kang Yujeong, spokesperson for the Presidential Office, stated during a briefing, "At this time, there are no special plans to respond," when asked about the ruling party's opinion that Chief Choi should apologize for his comments and whether the Presidential Office had an official position on the matter.

Spokesperson Kang explained, "It seems there was some discussion in the National Assembly, but I may not have fully confirmed the details. However, as of now, there is no response that the Presidential Office is prepared to offer."

Previously, Chief Choi appeared on a YouTube broadcast last month and stated, "Moon Jaein (former president) is the source of all the suffering experienced by our people today." He was also reported to have criticized Kang Hunsik, Chief of Staff at the Presidential Office, and Jeong Cheongrae, a lawmaker and candidate for party leader.

Meanwhile, Spokesperson Kang drew a clear line regarding the demand for a special pardon for Cho Kuk, former leader of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, stating that there has been no discussion on the matter. She explained, "The power of pardon is an exclusive authority of the President, and it is an issue on which the President can make the final decision. Although the President may later seek the opinions of aides, there are no meetings or discussions taking place on this issue."

Kang Yujeong, spokesperson for the Presidential Office, is answering reporters' questions after finishing a briefing on current issues at the Presidential Office building in Yongsan, Seoul on the 27th. Photo by Yonhap News