"Naming Individuals in Criticism Is Not Appropriate," Says Woo Sangho
On Internal Disagreements Within the Ruling Party: "They Will Be Resolved Soon"
Possibility of Trump-Kim Jongun Meeting at October APEC Summit: "Only Imaginable in Theory"
Woo Sangho, Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs, commented on the ongoing disputes within the ruling party regarding prosecution reform, stating, "It is fine to say, 'This is the best option,' but it does not seem appropriate to mention individuals by name." He pointed out that while differences of opinion are possible, the way Assemblyman Min Hyungbae of the Democratic Party and Lim Eunjeong, Chief Prosecutor of the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office, are engaging in debate could actually undermine the purpose of reform.
In a phone interview with YTN Radio on the 1st, Woo said, "While discussing prosecution reform, personal attacks should be avoided." He added, "When asked to debate, Assemblyman Min and Chief Prosecutor Lim seem to be picking fights rather than engaging in discussion. Debate itself is good," he said. He emphasized, "Reform that does not have public support cannot succeed. No matter how right the argument may be, if politicians pushing for reform or personnel within the prosecution are seen fighting among themselves, it undermines the purpose of reform." Both Assemblyman Min and Chief Prosecutor Lim had publicly criticized Minister of Justice Chung Sungho, questioning whether he was "fulfilling his duties" and claiming he had been "taken over by the prosecution."
However, Woo predicted that the differences of opinion within the ruling party would be resolved soon. He said, "It is true that there are disagreements, but these are not issues that cannot be resolved. They will be sorted out soon." This is interpreted as an explanation that, since there has been a broad agreement among the party, government, and the presidential office, a sufficient consensus can be reached through continued discussion.
Regarding recent remarks about the future of Lee Jinsook, Chairperson of the Korea Communications Commission, who is insisting on serving her full term, Woo said, "Jeon Hangil has been boasting that he made Jang Donghyuk, the People Power Party leader, and has been saying that Lee Jinsook should be nominated. Unless she herself refuses this, it has become a political issue. I thought it needed to be resolved." On August 30, during a special discussion jointly organized by nine regional private broadcasters, Woo pointed out to Chairperson Lee Jinsook, who has repeatedly expressed her intention to serve her full term, that if she intends to run for office, it would be appropriate for her to step down and leave.
Regarding the possibility of a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jongun at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit scheduled for October in Gyeongju, Woo said, "That is only possible in the realm of imagination," and added, "Even if North Korea-U.S. relations improve while inter-Korean relations remain stalled, there is no possibility that Chairman Kim would come to Panmunjom or Gyeongju, which are on South Korean territory." On the possibility of inter-Korean dialogue, he said, "North Korea would only respond if the South Korea-U.S. military exercises are postponed indefinitely or suspended."
Meanwhile, regarding Chairman Kim's attendance at the 80th anniversary military parade of China's Victory Day, Woo assessed, "From South Korea's perspective, it is positive that Chairman Kim is engaging in multilateral diplomacy." When asked whether National Assembly Speaker Woo Wonshik, who will also be attending the Victory Day event, could play a role, Woo replied, "It is not easy to send a personal letter or message when there is no certainty of meeting Chairman Kim. If there is an opportunity for contact, he could naturally encourage the restoration of inter-Korean relations, but there has been no final coordination with Speaker Woo."
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