President Lee Begins First Day at Cheong Wa Dae, Raises "Phoenix Flag"
Official Name and Logo Changed Back to "Cheong Wa Dae"
Significance in Ending the Yongsan Era of Disconnection
Presidential Residence Renovations Ongoing... Commutes from Hann
On December 29, President Lee Jaemyung began his first day of work at Cheong Wa Dae, returning as a sitting president for the first time in 1,330 days. This marks the end of the Yongsan era, which was marred by the scars of the 12·3 Martial Law, and signals the official beginning of a new Cheong Wa Dae era. It has been 1,330 days since a sitting president last commuted to Cheong Wa Dae, with the previous instance being former President Moon Jaein on May 9, 2022.
With President Lee’s return, Cheong Wa Dae has regained its symbolism and function as the nation’s “control tower.” At midnight on this day, the “phoenix flag,” symbolizing the presidential office, was hoisted at Cheong Wa Dae. The official name and work insignia (logo) were also changed to Cheong Wa Dae. However, as renovations on the presidential residence at Cheong Wa Dae have not yet been completed, President Lee will temporarily reside at the Hannam-dong residence and commute to work. A Cheong Wa Dae official explained, “Returning to Cheong Wa Dae within the year after inauguration is not merely a change of location, but a decision to restore the symbolism of the presidential office and the stability of national governance,” adding, “It comprehensively considers the continuity and efficiency of state affairs, as well as communication with the public.” The official particularly emphasized, “It also signifies the end of the Yongsan era of disconnection, which resulted from the 12·3 Martial Law and the impeachment of the president.”
As news of President Lee’s return to work spread, citizens gathered near Cheong Wa Dae. President Lee departed from the Hannam-dong residence in the morning and passed through the road in front of Cheong Wa Dae, where banners reading “Back to Cheong Wa Dae, as the Light of the Square” were hung on both sides, entering the main gate at approximately 9:12 a.m. Supporters on the sidewalk across from the main gate chanted “President Lee Jaemyung.”
Arriving in front of the main building at Cheong Wa Dae wearing a black coat and a so-called “unity necktie” featuring red, white, and navy colors, President Lee was greeted by National Security Advisor Wi Sunglak, Presidential Policy Chief Kim Yongbeom, and Protocol Secretary Kwon Hyukki, who had come out in advance. Together, they proceeded to the office. President Lee joked to his staff, “Why are you all out here? Oh, is it to commemorate the move?” Chief Presidential Secretary Kang Hoonshik was unable to attend the event, as he had departed on a business trip on December 28 as a special presidential envoy for strategic economic cooperation.
For his first official schedule, President Lee visited the presidential office on the second floor of the main Cheong Wa Dae building, a symbolic workspace, before moving to the reception room to hold his first “morning tea time” with key aides. He then visited the Cheong Wa Dae Crisis Management Center, known as the “underground bunker,” to inspect the ongoing restoration efforts. The Cheong Wa Dae National Crisis Management Center had been relocated to the Ministry of National Defense building in Yongsan at the start of the Yoon Sukyeol administration, raising concerns about the exposure of security facilities. Cheong Wa Dae has since carried out reinforcement work and plans to resume use of the facility.
Returning to Cheong Wa Dae was a core campaign pledge of President Lee. Since the end of August, the government suspended public tours of Cheong Wa Dae and began preparations for the return. An emergency fund of 25.9 billion won was secured, and for about three months, renovation work was carried out on the main building and Yeomin-gwan. The Presidential Security Service, together with the National Intelligence Service and military police, completed a joint security inspection.
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