President Moon to Spend Chuseok This Year at Cheongwadae Residence

[Asia Economy Reporter Minji Lee] President Moon Jae-in plans to spend this year's Chuseok holiday at the Blue House residence.

The Blue House explained on the 29th that this decision was made in response to the government's recommendation for citizens to 'refrain from traveling,' viewing the Chuseok holiday as a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic situation.

The death of a public official in the West Sea due to gunfire from North Korean soldiers also appears to have influenced the decision. Since demands for a joint investigation between South and North Korea have been made, President Moon is expected to closely monitor the situation.

During his first year in office in 2017, President Moon stayed at the Blue House for Chuseok and held ancestral rites with his family. The following year, he visited New York, USA, to attend the 73rd United Nations General Assembly during Chuseok, and last year, he spent the holiday visiting his private residence in Yangsan, Gyeongnam, and his mother in Yeongdo, Busan.

This Chuseok is also the first since the passing of President Moon's mother, Kang Han-ok.

With President Moon staying at the residence, it is reported that Blue House aides, including Chief of Staff to the President Noh Young-min, plan to stay at their homes rather than visiting their hometowns as much as possible.