Yoon attempts to deal directly with nomination controversy

Jul 06, 2022, 09:17 am

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President Yoon Suk-yeol responds to questions of reporters on his way to the presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, on July 5, 2022./ Source: Yonhap

AsiaToday reporter Lee Wook-jae

President Yoon Suk-yeol expressed his displeasure Tuesday at the criticism of the presidential office’s series of controversial verifications and nominations, saying, “Did you see any praiseworthy people among minister nominees of the previous administration?”

His remarks represent his willingness to deal directly with the recent nomination controversy, refuting related criticisms and claiming that his personnel picks are based on professionalism unlike the previous administration. However, some point out that it is inappropriate to show an intense reaction way beyond the public’s expectation and blame the previous government.

Yoon made the remarks on his way to the presidential office in Yongsan when a reporter asked him to comment on the string of controversial nominations, such as Fair Trade Commission head nominee Song Ok-ryeol, education minister Park Soon-ae, and former health and welfare minister nominee Kim Seung-hee.

When a reporter commented that personnel issues are the president’s responsibility, Yoon admitted, “Yes.” But he showed his tempter, saying, “Try comparing with other administrations.” He did not take any other questions and headed directly to the presidential office.

There are various interpretations of Yoon’s intense reaction. Some observers say he expressed displeasure over a ray of criticisms toward the new administration. During an appointment ceremony of Park Soon-ae as minister of education, Yoon cheered up Park for undergoing fierce criticism from the media and the opposition bloc over her qualifications for the minister post due to her record of being caught driving under the influence in 2002. Yoon also seemed dissatisfied over his falling approval rating influenced by recent controversies at the NATO summit in Madrid, such as an ‘awkward handshake’ with U.S. President Joe Bide, despite his achievements at the meeting.

Some others claim that Yoon failed to abandon his attitude as a presidential candidate. Many point out that some of his remarks are inappropriate as president.

“Criticizing the previous administration will not lead to the increase of a president’s approval rating after 100 days of the president entering into office,” Bae Jong-chan, director of Insight K Research Center, said in a phone interview with AsiaToday. “The presidential election is over. Evaluation of the Moon Jae-in government will be made by history, not the incumbent president,” he said. Regarding Yoon’s support rate facing ‘death cross’, where negative reviews exceed positive reviews, Bae said that even Yoon’s supporters are turning away. “Sitting in the presidential office is not what President Yoon should seek for. Instead, he should get out of the office and go to the people to listen to their economic hardships in person.”

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