[Reporter’s Notebook] Another Unofficial Controversy Surrounding First Lady Kim Keon-hee Emerges Again

After Reversing the Pledge,
A Serious Discussion Needed on Reviving the Second Office

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] After concluding the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit schedule, controversy has arisen over the fact that the wife of Lee Won-mo, the presidential personnel secretary, a civilian, boarded Air Force One (the presidential aircraft) along with President Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife.

Mrs. Shin, the secretary’s wife, is neither a staff member of the presidential office nor a government official, and she holds no official position. She is a businessperson by background who supported various event planning activities for First Lady Kim Geon-hee and also boarded the presidential aircraft.

The presidential office described Mrs. Shin as a person with "extensive overseas living experience and international event planning capabilities," and stated that civilian volunteers can participate in overseas trips as "other accompanying personnel" if necessary.

However, the presidential office’s explanation is somewhat weak. The phrase "extensive overseas living experience" recalls South Korea in the 1980s before the full liberalization of overseas travel.

Moreover, there are likely others within the current presidential office staff who possess the international event planning capabilities sufficient to accompany the president to the first-ever NATO summit attended by a South Korean president. While her capabilities and expertise can be highly regarded, it is uncertain how much she actually contributes to President Yoon’s governance.

During this NATO summit visit, First Lady Kim was active, delivering messages through independent activities, breaking the promise of "quiet support." It would be more helpful to dispel misunderstandings by boldly withdrawing the pledge to abolish the Second Office and officially establishing it. At least this would help avoid controversies over "unofficial" influence.

During the previous NATO summit trip, there was internal feedback within the presidential office that "the Second Office is necessary due to First Lady Kim’s extensive activities." If her official activities are not going to be reduced, the burden of breaking the early administration’s pledge must be borne.

Despite the rise in negative evaluations, President Yoon said he "would not be obsessed with approval ratings." However, it is necessary to consider at least the internal opinion within the presidential office that an official dedicated organization should be established.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.