President Lee Orders Production of Cost-Effective "Presidential Watch"

"At the Democratic Party leadership dinner, I asked, 'Is it really necessary?' and received various opinions"
"Some said watches are the most cost-effective... You can look forward to it"
President personally corrects reports claiming no presidential watch will be made

President Lee Jaemyung announced on June 11 that he had instructed the production of cost-effective presidential watches. He personally clarified a misunderstanding that arose from some media reports suggesting that presidential watches would not be made.

Yonhap News Agency

Through a Facebook message, President Lee stated, "Since only part of the story about the presidential watch was reported in the media, it seems some misunderstandings have arisen, so I would like to clarify. After listening to various suggestions, I determined that a gift that embodies both meaning and practicality would be most appropriate, and thus instructed the production of a cost-effective presidential watch."

The reports about the presidential watch originated from remarks made by Jeon Hyunhee, a Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party of Korea, during her appearance on the YouTube channel . She recounted an episode at the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, saying, "Several people asked the president, 'Is there no Lee Jaemyung watch?' and the president replied, 'Why would we need something like that?'"

In response, President Lee explained, "During a recent dinner with the Democratic Party leadership, the topic of watch gifts came up naturally, and I expressed the sentiment, 'Is it really necessary?' He added, "Many people then expressed their disappointment and shared the opinion that, among presidential gifts, watches are the most cost-effective."

He continued, "Since it is a symbol representing the Republic of Korea, I will prepare it with the utmost care, befitting its significance. I will ensure that it becomes a gift everyone can be proud of. You can look forward to it."

Previously, Kang Yoojeong, spokesperson for the presidential office, also issued a statement titled "Correction" on June 10, saying, "President Lee instructed us to find popular gift items, including watches, and accordingly, they will be produced as presidential gifts."

Historically, presidents have presented prepared gifts such as the 'presidential watch' bearing the president's handwritten signature during events hosted by the presidential office.