"Gyeongsang Province Etiquette"... President Lee Stands Instead of Sitting in Chair Pulled Out by Trump

Kang Hoonshik Reveals Behind-the-Scenes Stories of the Korea-US Summit
"President Trump Must Have Felt the Respectful Attitude"

It has recently been revealed why President Jae Myung Lee did not sit down himself after pulling out a chair for U.S. President Donald Trump to sign the guestbook during the recent Korea-US summit. It was said that this action reflected the sensibilities of President Lee’s hometown, Andong in North Gyeongsang Province.

Chief Presidential Secretary Kang Hoonshik appeared on MBC Newsdesk on the 29th and shared the behind-the-scenes story.

During the Korea-US summit, when President Lee was about to sign the guestbook, President Trump pulled the chair back so that Lee could sit comfortably. However, President Lee finished signing the guestbook while standing, without taking a seat.

President Jae Myung Lee (right) standing while signing the guestbook during the Korea-US summit. Photo by Yonhap News

Kang said, "It was impressive to see President Lee sitting across from President Trump, sitting upright at the edge of his chair and maintaining eye contact. When asked why he didn’t sit down even though the chair was pulled out for him, President Lee replied, 'It’s a matter of etiquette for people from Gyeongsang Province.'

Kang added, "I’m not sure if this is strictly Korean etiquette, but President Trump must have felt that we were approaching the summit with great respect."

Additionally, during an informal conversation, both leaders made efforts to build rapport. Kang said, "President Lee first mentioned that he and President Trump have many things in common, such as having experienced terror attacks or having received the highest number of votes within their respective parties."

In response, former President Trump reportedly said, "I heard your chances of winning are high." Kang explained that this confirmed President Trump does not share the suspicions of election fraud raised by some quarters.

Kang also commented on President Lee’s leadership style, saying, "Most people in power tend to build walls and enjoy their positions from within, but President Lee constantly tries to go outside those walls," and described this as "an attitude that values communication with the people."