The President’s Office announced on the 8th, ”First Lady Kim Kun-hee has decided not to accompany President Yoon Seok-yeol on his trip scheduled for the middle of this month.”
A high-ranking official from the Presidential Office met with reporters at the Presidential Office in Yongsan on this day and said this. This is interpreted as a follow-up to President Yoon’s public address and press conference the previous day. Regarding Ms. Kim’s external activities, President Yoon said at a press conference, “We have virtually suspended them except for those that my advisors and I have judged to be necessary for diplomatic practices or national interest activities, and we will continue this trend in the future.”
President Yoon will embark on a tour of the G20 summit and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in the middle of this month. Inside the President’s Office, there was an opinion that accompanying the APEC meeting to be held in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk next year was necessary as a host country to plan a spouse program, etc., but it was reported that the decision was made not to go considering public opinion.
The President’s Office’s position is that it will make a decision on the future trip schedule by taking into account diplomatic practices and national interests.
The day before, the President’s Office officially launched a second attached office to assist Ms. Kim’s activities. President Yoon revealed this fact at a press conference the previous day and appointed former Civil Society Secretary Jang Soon-chil as the second head of the office. Regarding the 2nd Annex Office, President Yoon said, “I think the risk will be reduced if (Ms. Kim) does a good job of determining what needs to be done and how to do things that are requested of the President’s wife.”
A reception room in the second annex and an office for employees were also prepared. The reception room was created with the intention of having a conversation between Mrs. Kim and the wife of a foreign leader when they visit the Yongsan Presidential Office during their visit to Korea. It is reported that the space and scope of work have generally been reduced compared to the 2nd Annex Office during the previous Blue House era.
It is reported that President Yoon and First Lady Kim will soon change their personal cell phone numbers. At a press conference, President Yoon responded to the point out that various controversies and suspicions arose because Mrs. “I had to change everything, but I couldn’t do it myself, so the root cause of the problems lies with me,” he said.
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Time.news Interview: Navigating Diplomatic Waters – An Insight into South Korea’s Current Political Climate
Interviewer (Editor of Time.news): Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Ji-hoon Park, a prominent expert on East Asian geopolitics and diplomacy. Dr. Park, thank you for joining us today.
Dr. Ji-hoon Park: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Interviewer: Let’s dive straight into the recent developments surrounding South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol. His trip to the Philippines and Singapore, along with the Korea-ASEAN summit in Laos, is significant. What are the implications of these visits for South Korea’s diplomatic relations with Southeast Asia?
Dr. Park: Absolutely, these visits are crucial. South Korea aims to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties with ASEAN countries, especially in the context of economic recovery post-COVID and the increasing influence of China and the U.S. By participating actively in these summits, South Korea is positioning itself as a key player in regional stability and economic cooperation.
Interviewer: We’ve witnessed a notable decision from First Lady Kim Kun-hee to not accompany President Yoon on these trips. How does this reflect on their administration and its public image?
Dr. Park: This decision is quite telling. It suggests a strategic move to avoid potential controversies at a time when public scrutiny is heightened regarding her external activities. President Yoon has mentioned that they are suspending her engagements unless deemed necessary, which shows a conscious effort to rebuild their image amid turbulence. This is particularly significant given the controversies surrounding Ms. Kim and the perception of her role in national affairs.
Interviewer: Speaking of controversies, President Yoon’s recent comment about changing personal phone numbers due to arising issues indicates a shift in how he handles accountability. How does this shift in strategy potentially alter the public perception of his leadership?
Dr. Park: This pivot could be seen as a reflection of increased responsiveness to public sentiment. By acknowledging that issues stem from his management, he’s attempting to take responsibility and perhaps to mitigate further scrutiny. It’s a calculated move that might earn him some goodwill, emphasizing transparency and accountability, which are crucial for any leader facing challenges.
Interviewer: The establishment of a second attached office for Ms. Kim also raises questions about the role of the First Lady in diplomatic engagements. What do you think this says about the administration’s approach to balancing public expectations and diplomatic necessities?
Dr. Park: This new office indicates an attempt to streamline and define Ms. Kim’s role more clearly amidst ongoing public debate. By significantly reducing the scope and duties compared to previous administrations, they seem to be acknowledging public concerns while still facilitating essential diplomatic functions. It’s a balancing act where they need to appease both the public’s demand for restraint and the need for diplomatic representation.
Interviewer: As President Yoon prepares for major international events, like the G20 and APEC meetings, what should we anticipate regarding his diplomatic strategy and priorities?
Dr. Park: Expect an emphasis on multilateralism and economic partnerships. With global economic uncertainties, South Korea will likely focus on trade agreements and collaborative efforts, particularly in technology and sustainability. Additionally, President Yoon might push for a collective stance on North Korean issues, seeking to unify ASEAN and global perspectives on security in the region.
Interviewer: Dr. Park, your insights are invaluable. As these international engagements unfold, it will be fascinating to see how President Yoon’s approach and public perception evolve. Thank you again for your time and expertise.
Dr. Park: Thank you for inviting me. It’s been a pleasure discussing these critical topics with you.