Yoon to consolidate conservative support as his term approaches halfway point

Aug 21, 2024, 10:18 am

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President Yoon Suk-yeol poses for a photo during a ceremony to present the credentials to envoys at the presidential office in Seoul on Aug. 20, 2024./ Source: Yonhap News

AsiaToday reporter Hong Sun-mi

President Yoon Suk-yeol is focusing on consolidating conservative support and strengthening policies as his term approaches the halfway point in November.

Yoon has been rallying his supporters with security messages, especially around the National Liberation Day and the first anniversary of the Camp David Summit.

Additionally, Yoon is expected to hold a national briefing as early as next week to directly explain to the public the policy directions and future plans for the four major reforms in education, labor, pensions, and healthcare, as well as measures to address the low birth rate, demonstrating his commitment to completing these reforms.

On Monday, Yoon stressed during the Ulchi Freedom Shield Exercise the need to strengthen readiness against North Korea’s provocations, such as the spread of fake news and cyberattacks, stating, “Anti-state forces threatening the country’s liberal democracy system are active everywhere in society.” This is the first time in five months since March that Yoon has mentioned the term “anti-state forces.”

A senior official from the presidential office clarified on Tuesday that Yoon’s remarks were directed at North Korea, not the opposition bloc.

“The President of the Republic of Korea is constitutionally obligated to pursue peaceful unification based on the principles of liberal democracy, and those who deny this constitution are considered anti-state forces,” the official explained.

Despite the explanation, many view these remarks as a strategy to rally support. As the controversy over the appointment of the director of the Independence Hall of Korea and the debate over the establishment of a National Foundation Day escalated, it is seen as an attempt to highlight security issues to rally support.

The recent pardons and reinstatements of former government officials, including former National Intelligence Service Director Won Sei-hoon and former Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs Cho Yoon-sun, on August 15. National Liberation Day, can also be seen in the same context. Yoon is increasing direct communication with former Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye, continuing his efforts to consolidate conservative support.

Yoon’s upcoming national briefing is also part of laying the groundwork for the latter half of his term. The president is expected to explain the achievements of his administration’s national reforms and present a blueprint for the latter half of his term during a national briefing as early as next week or early next month. He is expected to focus on the direction of pension reform, emphasizing intergenerational equity and sustainability.

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