Some uncomfortable with Yoon's 'The BUCK STOPS here' plaque

President Yoon Suk Yeol delivers a televised address ahead of a press conference in his office in Yongsan Seoul Thursday Yonhap — President Yoon Suk Yeol delivers a televised address ahead of a press conference in his office in Yongsan, Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap

SEOUL, May 09 (AJU PRESS) - A detail that captured particular attention during President Yoon Suk Yeol’s nationally televised address to the nation on Thursday was a plaque displayed on his desk.

Yoon, dressed in a black suit and red tie, spoke from behind a desk adorned with a plaque inscribed with the words "The BUCK STOPS here."

The well-known motto was used by Harry S. Truman, who served as the U.S. president from 1945 to 1953. Truman famously kept a plaque with the phrase on his desk in the Oval Office. The plaque was a gift from a friend, and Truman used it as an important reminder of his responsibilities as president.

Yoon mentioned Truman’s plaque while he was contending for the presidency. In an online campaign show, he said he wanted to place a plaque bearing Truman’s phrase in his office if elected president, showing a resolve to be a resolute, responsible head of state.

Last year, his dream came true. He received a plaque bearing the famous phrase as a surprise gift from U.S. President Joe Biden when the latter visited Korea in May. He proudly displayed the plaque in his office in Yongsan to the public during an interview with state broadcaster KBS in February this year.

President Yoon Suk Yeol shows a plaque he received as a gift from US President Joe Biden during an interview with KBS in February Yonhap — President Yoon Suk Yeol shows a plaque inscribed with the words "The BUCK STOPS here" he received as a gift from U.S. President Joe Biden during an interview with KBS in February. Yonhap

As Yoon’s popularity has dipped, however, Biden’s gift has become a target of satire for the President. Critics argue it is hard to imagine Yoon is compatible with Truman’s motto, citing his handling of allegations surrounding his wife and mother-in-law.

Adding to their discomfort is the underlying message of the plaque being delivered to the audience.

“We know it is a gift from the U.S. president, and he may be very proud of this,” an online comment reads. “But considering his position as the leader of an independent nation with relations beyond just the U.S., displaying Biden's gift so prominently during his address wasn't a good idea.”