Former Secretary Shin Dong-ho: Jeong Cheong-rae Declined Cabinet Offers from Moon and Lee Governments

Shin Dong-ho, a former speech secretary for the Moon Jae-in administration, revealed that Jeong Cheong-rae, a prominent figure in the Democratic Party, was offered cabinet positions in both the previous Moon administration and the current Lee Jae-myung government. Shin, who previously managed Jeong's messaging, made these remarks during a YouTube program hosted by former presidential secretary Tak Hyun-min.

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He was offered a ministerial position during the Moon Jae-in administration and also during the current (Lee Jae-myung) administration.

Shin asserted that Jeong declined these ministerial offers, emphasizing Jeong's long-standing commitment to serving in political roles rather than appointed ones. According to Shin, Jeong expressed his intention to avoid appointed positions as early as 2004, before his first term as a National Assembly member. This principle, Shin explained, extends to his desire to support the Lee Jae-myung government's success, which he prefers to do through political engagement rather than a ministerial appointment.

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He declined them. My friend Jeong Cheong-rae has never held an appointed position.

Jeong's approach, Shin suggested, reflects a focus on public evaluation and a desire to maintain independence from those in power. He indicated that Jeong's refusal of appointed positions stems from a clear vision of how he wishes to contribute politically. Shin implied that Jeong's consistent stance warrants re-evaluation, suggesting it highlights a unique commitment to his political ideals.

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He said in early 2004, before becoming a member of the National Assembly, that he would not take appointed positions.

The discussion arose while comparing Jeong's career path to that of former President Kim Dae-jung. Shin pointed out that Jeong has never held an appointed position, contrasting this with figures who have. This highlights Jeong's deliberate choice to operate within the political arena on his own terms, prioritizing his political objectives over governmental appointments.

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He clearly wants to help through politics, even if it means helping the Lee Jae-myung government as a minister.