[단독]’The first prime minister’ Han Deok-soo, worried about the elderly, “continue to study. There is no health problem”

JTBC reporters met with former Prime Minister Han Deok-soo, who is considered a strong candidate for the first prime minister of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration, which will be inaugurated on May 10. Former Prime Minister Han met with reporters in front of his home on the morning of the 31st and talked for 30 minutes. When asked if he had received the Prime Minister’s proposal from the transition committee, he replied, “(at the transition committee) the review has not been completed yet.”

Earlier, in a phone call with reporters, former Prime Minister Han replied, “I will serve the country when the final decision is made.” Former Prime Minister Han served as deputy prime minister and prime minister for economy during the Roh Moo-hyun administration, and served as ambassador to the United States under the Lee Myung-bak administration. He is known as an expert in the fields of economy and foreign trade, which has been emphasized by President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol and the Presidential Transition Committee.

Former Prime Minister Han avoided an immediate answer to the next government’s important national task, saying, “It is not appropriate for a person who has not been finally decided (as Prime Minister) to speak.” However, regarding the current domestic situation, he said, “There is no disagreement about the difficulty” and “It is important to protect the people from the pandemic.” He also mentioned the importance of securing fiscal soundness, saying, “You should not think that you can always use the national finances at will.”

He also expressed his beliefs about the role of the state. “It is important to increase productivity, but that does not make people feel happy,” he said.

Former Prime Minister Han, referring to the relationship he had met twice in the past with Yoon-elect, gave a positive evaluation of Yoon-elect as “a very tolerant person.”

Some pointed out that former Prime Minister Han, who served as the ambassador to the United States in February 2012, has not worked in public office for more than 10 years, which may cause setbacks in his work. Some analysts say that the age of a former prime minister who is over 70 years old is a stumbling block. In response, former Prime Minister Han said there was no problem. He said, “I’m still studying, so I’m not worried about understanding the policy, and my health is good.”

They were also asked about concerns that his experience as an outside director of some companies was not suitable for public office. Former Prime Minister Han asked, “Why is it a problem since outside directors are the ones who check the company?” However, he has said that if he is finally nominated as Prime Minister, he will close all his current positions, including outside directors, to eliminate any potential conflicts of interest.

While former Prime Minister Han is a strong candidate for prime minister, former Financial Services Commission Chairman Lim Jong-ryong and former Vice Minister of Knowledge Economy Choi Jung-kyung are still being discussed as prime minister candidates. Former Prime Minister Han exalted them, saying, “(The commission) seems to be selecting only the best.” Regarding the possibility of working with them in the future, “I have (personal) preference, but it is not appropriate to talk about it now. Each has its pros and cons,” he said.

Currently, former Chairman Lim and former Minister Choi are being mentioned as candidates for the Deputy Prime Minister of Economy. Choo Kyung-ho, who served as the head of the Cabinet Office during the Park Geun-hye administration, is also a potential deputy prime minister candidate for the planning and coordination division of the transition committee. A key official from the president-elect Yoon’s side said about the appointment of the prime minister, “We are making packages under the economic and security concept.” “The deputy prime minister for the economy, the chief economy officer, the chairman of the finance committee, and the governor of the Bank of Korea are all united together, and a prime minister is created to match that,” he explained.

Former Chairman Lim told reporters, “I have not been offered the prime ministership.” She also said, “I’ve never thought about being prime minister, so it’s not appropriate to answer assuming (becoming prime minister).” Former Minister Choi is avoiding direct contact with the media. In the political circles, Kim Han-gil, chairman of the National Unification Committee, was also mentioned as a strong candidate, but it is known that he ultimately rejected the offer of the prime minister.

Currently, the process of appointing a prime minister for the Presidential Transition Committee is in the final stages. It is said that only Yun’s final decision remains. Jang Je-won, the elected chief of staff, met with reporters this afternoon and said, “There is no surprise,” and said that it will be narrowed down to one of the people who have been constantly discussed. Director Jang added, “We have met all the candidates, and it will be decided soon.” The prime minister nominee is expected to be announced by Yoon himself on the 3rd of next month at the earliest.