Park Sanghyuk Defends Choi Donghyuk: "Will Break Civil Service's Iron Rice Bowl Image"

Park Sanghyuk: "There Is a Reason for President Lee's Appointment of Choi Donghyuk"
"Bold Innovation Needed to Break the Stagnant Image of the Civil Service"
Controversy Within the Party Over Criticism of Former President Moon Jaein

As controversy grows over past remarks made by Choi Donghyuk, the Minister of Personnel Management, the ruling party has evaluated his appointment as one that could break the "iron rice bowl" image of the civil service. On July 28, Park Sanghyuk, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated during an interview on YTN Radio's "News Fighting" that, "It is natural for various members of a democratic party to have personal opinions about Minister Choi," but added, "I believe there is a reason for his appointment."

Choi Dongsuk, Minister of Personnel Innovation. Photo by Yonhap News

Park explained, "This is something that is currently being overlooked, but he has expertise in personnel and organizational management from his experience at the Bank of Korea and in private companies. The civil service has long been criticized for being stagnant, for lacking change, and for being rigid. The president's intention in boldly appointing such an expert from the private sector is to bring innovation to these areas."

He continued, "As we enter the era of artificial intelligence (AI), industrial structures and demographic structures are rapidly changing, yet the civil service still has too much of an 'iron rice bowl' image. The Ministry of Personnel Management must take the lead in developing innovative policies, which is its task going forward. I believe the president appointed him with this as an important point in mind."

He also emphasized, "While he should personally clarify the issues raised by his past appearances on his personal YouTube channel, I hope that over the next five years, the focus will be on personnel innovation and that this aspect will also be taken into account when evaluating him."

After Choi's appointment on July 20, his past political remarks made through social networking services (SNS) and YouTube broadcasts have become a point of contention. In particular, there are voices of dissatisfaction within the ruling party regarding his comments about former President Moon Jaein. On August 5, 2023, on a YouTube channel, Choi commented on former President Moon joking with a citizen upon his retirement, asking, "Should I run again?" Choi argued, "Moon Jaein was either completely foolish or considered Yoon Sukyeol his successor; it can only be one of the two. Otherwise, no other interpretation is possible."

Choi also referred to former President Moon as a "despicable person" this past February, and last month stated, "Moon Jaein is the source of all the suffering our people are experiencing today." Previously, lawmakers Yoon Konyoung, Park Joomin, and Park Jieon had called for a public apology from Choi. Additionally, Baek Seunga, spokesperson of the Democratic Party of Korea, on July 27 demanded, "Minister Choi must sincerely apologize for his past inappropriate remarks and behavior." However, regarding Choi's dismissal, she said, "Whether he resigns or not is up to the president, so the presidential office will make a decision after gathering public opinion." Kang Yoojeong, spokesperson for the presidential office, responded to questions about the controversy on July 27 by saying, "There is no special response or answer yet."