Daegu:Seoul The main opposition People Power Party (PPP) has criticized President Lee Jae Myung for his golf outing over the weekend, questioning its appropriateness while dozens were injured due to a supermarket ceiling collapse in Daegu.
According to Yonhap News Agency, PPP leader Jang Dong-hyeok expressed concerns during a party meeting, questioning whether President Lee could effectively fulfill his responsibilities while playing golf. The incident in Daegu occurred Saturday morning, injuring 38 people.
Cheong Wa Dae released a statement saying Lee issued an order for thorough rescue operations immediately after being informed of the incident from the golf course. However, PPP chief spokesperson Park Sung-hoon criticized Lee for what he described as an "imperial" round of golf, suggesting it was an inadequate response.
Park further argued that rather than apologizing, Cheong Wa Dae and the Democratic Party misled the public by claiming the golf outing was part of preparations for potential golf diplomacy with U.S. President Donald Trump. Rep. Cho Gye-won from the ruling Democratic Party defended Lee, stating that the outing was indeed part of those preparations.
The presidential office, in an unusual move, disclosed Lee's private schedule, confirming his visit to Taereung Country Club in northern Seoul with his family on Saturday. This announcement followed PPP Rep. Joo Jin-woo's plans to hold a press conference revealing Lee's presence on the golf course during the incident.
Democratic Party lawmakers have defended the president's actions, emphasizing the need for rest on his day off and asserting that he managed to fulfill his presidential duties by receiving reports and issuing necessary instructions.