‘President’s Too Upset to Dine’: Why Did South Korea’s President Skip a Major Dinner with Top Leaders?

Regarding the unexpected postponement of the dinner meeting set for August 30 between South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Han Dong Hoon, leader of the People Power Party, along with other ruling party officials, Heo Eun Ah, leader of the Reform New Party, commented, “It appears the President is so upset that he isn’t even willing to share a meal.”

Yesterday, Heo posted on her Facebook, sharing news about the postponement of the dinner with the President and ruling party leaders, and commented, “It clearly shows how the administration has been handled so far.”

She emphasized that attending was about fulfilling her responsibilities to the people, even when it involved disagreeable tasks. She added, “With the President claiming presidential prerogative in everything and preventing any opposition, it’s as if Xi Jinping has reincarnated in Yongsan.”

Heo remarked, “Mr. President, feel free to leave the party and pursue your desires. We welcome your transition to the role of the second opposition party.”

According to previous media reports, a senior official from the Presidential Office stated on August 28, “With Chuseok(Korea’s Thanksgiving Day) approaching, it’s more important to show that the government and the party are contemplating livelihood measures rather than just gathering to eat. The leadership meal will take place after the Chuseok holidays.” This has led to speculation about a resurgence of party-government conflict, especially following recent actions by Representative Han Dong Hoon to halt the government’s policy to increase the number of medical school seats.