Yoon Ho-joong says, “The reserve fund for forest fire restoration should not be used for Cheong Wa Dae relocation”

The Democratic Party of Korea strongly protested against President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol's announcement that he would relocate his office to Yongsan, saying, "Yoon should take care of the people's livelihood first."

Yoon Ho-joong, chairman of the Democratic Party's joint emergency committee, said at a meeting of the emergency committee held at the National Assembly on March 21, "President-elect Yoon expressed his intention to move the Presidential office Cheong Wa Dae to Yongsan, despite public concerns and opposition."

Yoon Ho-joong, chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea's emergency committee (second from right), speaks at an emergency meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on March 21.
Yoon Ho-joong, chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea's emergency committee (second from right), speaks at an emergency meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on March 21.

He said, “Ten days after his election, the President-elect revealed the true nature of the communication-impossible regime. The people are anxious and in pain every day by day. However, the President-elect is only trying to decorate a new house, so it's really disastrous."

Chairman Yoon said, "The relocation of Cheong Wa Dae to Yongsan is useless for the people's livelihood and a disaster for national security.

"Above all, the idea of using the reserve funds, which should be used to recover from disasters such as forest fires in Donghae and Uljin is anti-people's livelihood. In addition, the Cabinet must vote to enforce the reserve funds, but the Presidential transition committee has no legal authority to force the government to vote."

Chairman Yoon said, "It is difficult to predict the property damage of Seoul citizens and Yongsan residents easily. The Yongsan Blue House era means all-stop reconstruction and redevelopment nearby, and the installation of air defense artillery units on the roof of apartments in some parts of Gangnam is also expected to be inevitable.”

President-elect Yoon announced on March 20 that the Presidential Office would be relocated to the Ministry of National Defense at Samgak-ji, Yongsan-gu, Seoul between Camp Coiner and the South Post of the former United States Armed Forces compound complex.

Speaking at a press conference, Yoon said, "I am aware of worries that relocation of the Presidential office may be somewhat overly hasty, with 50 days left before the beginning of his duty as Korea’s next President."

Yoon then added: "Currently, Cheong Wa Dae is separated from the main building and the building of the secretaries, wherefore communication between the President and the staff was not very smooth.” He reminded that he has promised to properly uphold the will of the people while communicating with the people.

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