A starting point for new governance style

President Yoon Suk Yeol finally held a press conference on Thursday. It came 21 months after his first conference on the occasion of his 100th day in office. The president gave the impression that he wants to avoid a such an event because he dislikes uneasy questions. He even replaced the new year’s press conference with an exclusive interview with a particular broadcaster. On April 1, he only read a prepared script to respond to deepening public doubts over his government’s medical reform without taking any questions from reporters.

Fortunately, the president showed his will to communicate with people this time. Over his wife’s suspicious acceptance of a luxury handbag from a mysterious pastor, he expressed an apology for her “indiscreet act.” He has used the term “apologize” for the first time since his inauguration in May 2022. In the exclusive interview with KBS in February, however, he made obscure remarks about the case.

In Thursday’s press conference, President Yoon repeatedly kept a low profile. He regretted people’s tougher livelihoods despite his government’s efforts. When asked why the governing party suffered a crushing defeat in the April 10 parliamentary elections, he attributed it to the low scores the voters gave his governance. “I brooded over what went wrong with my government,” he said.

The confession translates into his acceptance of responsibility for the election loss. Yoon’s high-handed approach to state affairs has long been under attack. We hope his retrospection brings about a substantial change in running the government.

But unfortunately, the press conference showed the president has not changed his position on major issues. On the majority Democratic Party (DP)’s passage of a bill allowing a special investigation into the tragic death of a Marine on a rescue mission, the president said, “If the results of the ongoing investigations by law enforcement authorities stop short of people’s expectations, I myself will demand the appointment of a special prosecutor to look into the case.” That suggests his intention to veto the special act.

As it foreshadows a clash with the DP, we wonder how the government can get cooperation from the majority opposition. The president wants to repeal the financial investment income tax and achieve national pension reform, but without the DP’s help, he cannot do it. His position on the medical school admissions quota increase also didn’t change.

Things cannot be done overnight. The president promised to facilitate communication with the people to help them understand government policies. If he keeps that promise, the press conference will be a starting point for change in his remaining three years.