<기사제목>Presidential Office: "Yoon Wrote Condolence Book After Queen of England's Funeral... Attempt to Downplay as Neglect Is Disrespectful"

Presidential Office, "Regret over Sadness Being Used in Domestic Politics... One-Day Delay Due to Local Situation in London" Explanation

President Yoon Suk-yeol and First Lady Kim Keon-hee are leaving a hotel in London on the 19th to attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] President Yoon Suk-yeol, who is visiting London, UK, is scheduled to write a condolence book immediately after attending the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on the 19th (local time), the Blue House announced.

The Blue House explained that President Yoon’s condolence book writing was initially planned for the first day of his arrival in London but was postponed by a day due to London’s traffic conditions and other factors. Regarding the controversy in some political circles about 'protocol neglect,' the Blue House strongly criticized it, saying, "It is regrettable that unverified remarks are being used to exploit this sorrow for domestic political purposes."

Kim Eun-hye, Chief of Public Relations, stated at a local press center briefing that morning, "While adjusting the schedule, it would have been better if the plane had arrived earlier, but there were unavoidable circumstances. Heads of state who arrived by early afternoon yesterday were able to pay their respects, and due to the complicated situation in London, those arriving after 2-3 p.m. were informed that the condolence book writing would take place today."

Earlier, after President Yoon arrived in London the previous day, he planned to visit Westminster Hall, where Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin is lying in state, to write in the condolence book and pay respects, but the plan was postponed due to worsening traffic conditions in London. The postponement of President Yoon’s condolence book writing was mistakenly reported domestically as a cancellation of condolences, sparking controversy over diplomatic neglect.

President Yoon and his wife received sufficient courtesy from the British royal family, dismissing the 'neglect controversy.' Chief Kim said, "The British royal family sent two government representatives and one royal representative to welcome them," adding, "Additional security personnel were assigned to ensure a secure and safe route for President Yoon and his wife." She also added, "Four sidecars were deployed on the route to the reception hosted by King Charles III to facilitate smooth movement for the presidential couple."

Chief Kim emphasized, "This is a globally sorrowful day when condolences and sympathies should be continuous," and said, "It is regrettable that unverified remarks are being used to exploit this sorrow for domestic political purposes." She further urged, "Please judge carefully the attempts to belittle us as if we were neglected and to cover that with rumors and plausible falsehoods."

President Yoon will attend the Queen’s funeral at Westminster Abbey in London at 11 a.m. local time (7 p.m. Korean time) with his wife, Kim Keon-hee. The funeral will last about an hour, including the opening mass by a priest, Bible reading by the British Prime Minister, hymns, funeral trumpet performances, and a moment of silence.

President Yoon is expected to write in the condolence book expressing sentiments such as, "I pray for the eternal rest of the late Queen Elizabeth II and offer my deepest condolences to the British royal family and the people. It was an honor to share the same era with the Queen, who devoted herself to defending freedom and peace. She will be remembered forever."

After attending the funeral and writing in the condolence book, President Yoon will award the National Medal to Victor Swift (88), president of the British Korean War Veterans Association. Mr. Swift, who served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers of the British Army during the Korean War, has contributed to veterans’ affairs and the promotion of Korea-UK exchanges since 1998.

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