Daegu:Seoul President Lee Jae Myung was on a golf outing when a supermarket ceiling collapsed in Daegu, injuring 38 people. Despite being away from his office, the president promptly ordered rescue operations upon receiving updates about the incident.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Cheong Wa Dae confirmed that President Lee was playing golf with his family at Taeneung Country Club when the incident occurred. He was briefed on the situation and immediately instructed relevant agencies to mobilize resources for rescue efforts and ensure a swift recovery.
The presidential office's statement aimed to address criticisms from Rep. Joo Jin-woo of the main opposition People Power Party, who planned to disclose Lee's golf outing during the incident. Cheong Wa Dae's response seems to counter what it perceives as a politically motivated attack, asserting that Lee's golfing did not hinder his presidential duties.
Further details revealed that President Lee communicated with Kim Jong-cheol, acting chief of the Korean National Police Agency, for updates on casualties and damage. Cheong Wa Dae explained the exception made in confirming Lee's private schedule to prevent controversy and criticized attempts to politicize the president's activities.
Rep. Joo accused the president of leaving the golf course late and demanded transparency concerning Lee's actions following the incident. He also called for an investigation into the funding of Lee's golf outing. However, the ruling Democratic Party dismissed these claims as political maneuvering, asserting that Lee acted promptly to protect the citizens.