Still detached from public sentiment

The presidential office’s response to the controversies regarding former defense minister Lee Jong-sup, who began his new post as ambassador to Australia, and Hwang Sang-moo, senior presidential secretary for civil and social affairs, has been very disappointing. The presidential office claimed it judged there was nothing that can hinder Lee from taking up his new role as ambassador after studying the complaint against him.

The presidential office dismissed the argument that Lee should immediately return to the country to face investigation, saying it was “inappropriate for an envoy to another state to leave his position to wait for summoning and questioning that has not been readied by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO).” Lee faces an investigation on the accusation of tampering with the Marine Corps’ inquiry into the death of a young marine. On the issue of Hwang, the presidential office said it has never wielded any forcible or oppressive action towards media outlets, adding that the government completely respects freedom of the press.

The statement comes after governing People Power Party (PPP) leader Han Dong-hoon demanded Lee immediately return home and Hwang to voluntarily withdraw himself for causing an uproar. The advocacy of the controversial figures cannot bode well for the presidential office, as it falls out of sync with public sentiment. The people cannot understand why Lee has been tapped as an envoy, why the Justice Ministry lifted the travel ban the CIO imposed, and why Lee hurriedly left the country.

The questioning also arose within the PPP. Na Kyung-won, co-chair of the election campaign committee, said Lee could appear to be evading responsibility in the eyes of the people even if the presidential office has no fault in the appointment. The CIO must hasten its investigation and summon Lee so as not to cause further political misunderstanding.

Hwang also should know better than clinging to his seat. Both rivalling parties have been dumping foul-mouthed candidates. Even controversial comments made 10 years ago can cost a candidacy. It is why the PPP is as impatient with Hwang as the majority Democratic Party (DP) for his mention of a decade-old terrorist attack on a journalist critical of the government. PPP candidates facing uphill battles with the DP in the capital region grumble the presidential office is worsening their odds. The presidential office should not be so casual, given the apparent impact of the election outcome on Yoon Suk Yeol presidency.

The presidential office has been criticized for being too lenient about allies while lashing at opponents. The office must end the controversy by accepting the public wishes in dealing with Lee and Hwang.