"No Need for Souvenir Watch": President Lee's 40,000 Won Wristwatch Sells Out

Released in 2019, Now Sold Out
Responds "No Need" Regarding Presidential Commemorative Watch

President Lee Jae Myung reportedly stated at a dinner with the ruling party leadership that he does not see a need for the so-called "presidential watch." As the wristwatch worn by President Lee has gained popularity, it has been confirmed that the product is now sold out and discontinued. On the 9th, News1, citing the Presidential Office and the distribution industry, reported that the watch President Lee frequently wore at various meetings is the "Moonlight Garden Black Leather Watch" from the E-Land brand OST.

President Lee Jae Myung is having a phone conversation with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba at the Presidential Office in Yongsan, Seoul, on the 9th. Photo by Yonhap News

According to the report, the watch worn by President Lee was released in 2019 and had an official retail price in the 50,000 won range, but was sold online for around 40,000 won. Recently, as it became known as the "President Lee watch," all remaining stock has sold out. Generally, products continue to be sold for four to five years after release through reorders, but in this case, E-Land announced that the product was finally sold out and discontinued as of the 9th. Not only the watch but also the eyeglass frames and sneakers President Lee wore during his campaign have attracted attention, with some products gaining popularity and selling out.

Previous presidents have produced wristwatches engraved with their signature and a phoenix emblem as gifts. However, since President Lee has emphasized pragmatism since taking office, there are expectations that there will be no "Lee Jae Myung watch." This is because President Lee reportedly expressed at a meeting with the ruling party leadership at the presidential residence that there is "no need" for the so-called "presidential watch." By taking this stance, President Lee is emphasizing budget savings, in contrast to the tradition of previous presidents using commemorative gifts.

President Lee Jae Myung is holding a receiver to make a phone call with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on the 9th at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

In the past, former presidents have typically given gifts to invited guests at official events. Among these gifts, the presidential watch engraved with the president's name has been especially popular. The first presidential watch in Korea was produced during the tenure of former President Park Chung Hee. Since then, successive presidents have created commemorative watches, establishing the practice as a tradition. Former President Yoon Suk Yeol produced a presidential watch as his "first commemorative gift." Former President Moon Jae In also unveiled the "Moon Jae In watch" as a commemorative item, along with a tea cup set, three months after taking office.