"Moon also ate alone"... Yoon's 'controversial remarks' defended by ruling party (comprehensive)

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, is attending the floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on the 23rd. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, recently addressed the controversy surrounding President Yoon Seok-yeol's overseas visits, pointing out that "there was also an issue of 'eating alone' during President Moon Jae-in's administration," and requested the opposition party to refrain from criticism.

At the floor strategy meeting on the morning of the 23rd, Floor Leader Joo said, "The president's diplomatic activities are conducted not as the head of the executive branch but as the head of state of the Republic of Korea, representing the entire nation."

He added, "Even if each party or individual finds some aspects unsatisfactory, it is necessary to support and encourage these activities carried out to protect national interests as the national representative. There were various issues regarding eating alone during President Moon's term as well, but I hope we all share the view that such matters should not become subjects of political strife that undermine diplomatic achievements," urging the opposition party.

Policy Committee Chairman Sung Il-jong also criticized, saying, "The first step should be to seek support from the National Assembly to realize the achievements of the overseas visits," and "focusing party efforts on disparaging diplomatic activities is unprecedented in party history."

He continued, "The Democratic Party of Korea produced all kinds of fake news about condolence diplomacy, trying to create a second mad cow disease incident, and now they are even belittling the outcomes of the Korea-Japan and Korea-US summits, obsessed only with political gain," adding, "They are attempting to drive a wedge in alliance relations by even exploiting private conversations."

Kim Seok-ki, secretary-general and whip of the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, criticized, "If you disparage the president who conducts diplomacy representing our country, does the Democratic Party get applause? Ultimately, it is like smearing our own face."

Park Sung-joong, whip of the Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting Committee, pointed out, "Public broadcasters are pouring out groundless criticism of President Yoon's condolence visit to Queen Elizabeth of the United Kingdom and his diplomacy with the US and Japan," and said, "Instead of supporting the president of the Republic of Korea who conducted condolence and summit diplomacy, they are denying the entire diplomatic achievements with trivial nitpicking and leading a black propaganda campaign, which is shocking."

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