"There Was Never a Banquet Without Soju-Beer Cocktails...
Everyone Ended Up Drunk"
"President Lee's Banquet Was Dignified...
Filled With Lively Discussions"
Kim Sanguk, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea, shared his observations on the difference in atmosphere between presidential dinners during former President Yoon Sukyeol's administration and those hosted by President Lee Jaemyung.
On August 29, during a live broadcast on his YouTube channel 'Kim Sanguk TV,' Assemblyman Kim said, "The luncheon when former President Yoon Sukyeol invited us to Yongsan and today's luncheon hosted by President Lee Jaemyung at the Blue House State Guest House were completely different."
Recalling the atmosphere at the Yongsan presidential office during Yoon Sukyeol's term, he said, "As soon as we entered, we were cautioned not to mention outside that we had been drinking that day," adding, "After that, alcohol was served, but it wasn't high-quality liquor-only soju-beer cocktails kept circulating."
He continued, "I dislike soju-beer cocktails the most, but after trying to avoid them, I was eventually caught and forced to drink. At every dinner with former President Yoon, soju-beer cocktails were always present. Everyone would get drunk, some would even cry, and that's how those gatherings would end."
In contrast, he said that the luncheon with President Lee Jaemyung at the Blue House State Guest House had a completely different atmosphere. Kim explained, "We dined together at the State Guest House, but there wasn't a single glass of alcohol. Instead, there were various discussions, making it a refined occasion. I could feel the dignity of the nation."
He also remarked, "The Yongsan presidential office was too cramped and gloomy to discuss the dignity of the nation, whereas the Blue House State Guest House was a space that embodied both dignity and national prestige."
In fact, President Lee Jaemyung had pledged since his candidacy to return the presidential office to the Blue House, and the Presidential Secretariat has also announced that preparations are underway to relocate within the year.
Meanwhile, Assemblyman Kim entered the 22nd National Assembly as a member of the People Power Party, but left the party amid conflicts surrounding former President Yoon Sukyeol's declaration of martial law and later joined the Democratic Party of Korea.
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