[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] The Justice Party expressed regret over President Yoon Seok-yeol's diplomatic activities during his overseas tour on the 22nd, even issuing a statement saying, "It would be better for the national interest if he returns quickly, even now."
On the 22nd, Kim Hee-seo, spokesperson for the Justice Party, said in a briefing, "The condolence controversy caused concern among the public, and the 48-second Korea-US summit, as well as the unprepared Korea-Japan summit with confusion over whether it was a meeting or an official summit, caused further worry to the people," adding, "Now, even the diplomatic blunder caught on camera during the funeral where he met the US president is a real blow to national dignity, and the public's concern is considerable."
On the same day, as President Yoon was walking out of the Global Fund 7th Replenishment Conference venue, he was heard saying to those around him, including Foreign Minister Park Jin, "If those bastards in the National Assembly don't approve it, how embarrassing would it be for Biden?" When this remark became an issue, a senior official from the presidential office stated during a press briefing at the local press center around midnight, "It is highly inappropriate to connect a private remark to a diplomatic achievement."
Regarding this, spokesperson Kim said, "The presidential office's explanation that it was a private remark is also problematic," adding, "Where else would a head of state make private remarks inside an official meeting venue during an overseas tour?"
He described it as "a daily decline in national dignity and overall worrying diplomacy during the overseas tour," saying, "The public is becoming anxious about what damage might befall the country next."
He added, "The negative impact grows day by day," and said, "It would be better for the national interest if he returns quickly, even now, before causing further damage."
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