Conflicting Explanations on Yoon-Lee Jun-seok Meeting Rumors... Has Social Distancing Begun?

Lee Jun-seok "The Ruling Party and the Presidential Office Maintain Constant Communication on Current Issues"
Presidential Office "Private Dinner is Not True"

President Yoon Suk-yeol is conversing with Representative Lee Jun-seok and others during a luncheon meeting hosted by the People Power Party leadership on the afternoon of the 10th at the Reception Room of the Yongsan Presidential Office Building. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Bo-ryeong] Reports emerged that President Yoon Seok-yeol and Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, held a private meeting in mid-month, but their explanations on the matter differed.

On the 25th, after visiting the National Daejeon National Cemetery to pay respects, Lee met with reporters and, when asked about the 'private meeting,' stated, "Whether there was a specific meeting at a specific time is something that, as party leader, I cannot disclose regarding the president's schedule."

He continued, "You can ask the Blue House for their position," adding, "The ruling party and the Blue House are in constant communication on various policy issues. Assigning timing significance is a political interpretation."

Earlier, some media outlets reported that President Yoon and Lee held a private dinner meeting around mid-month to discuss current political issues. Attention was particularly focused on what was discussed, as Lee was facing disciplinary review by the Ethics Committee.

However, on the morning of the same day, the Blue House explained, "Reports by some media that President Yoon had a private dinner with Lee in mid-month are completely untrue." This stance differs from Lee's, who did not entirely deny the meeting itself.

Some interpret this as reflecting the Blue House's intention to keep distance and avoid intervening in internal party matters. With the president's approval ratings declining, they seem to be trying to prevent internal party conflicts from affecting the president. President Yoon also distanced himself from the party conflict surrounding Lee the previous day, stating, "The president should not comment on party affairs."