With the inauguration of the Lee Jae Myung administration, the presidential office is expected to pursue a phased relocation from Yongsan to the Blue House, and finally to Sejong. The plan is to first move into the Yongsan Presidential Office, but to relocate to the Blue House as soon as renovations there are completed. Ultimately, the administration aims to complete the Sejong presidential office within Lee's term, thereby finalizing the "administrative capital." However, since this requires social consensus, whether it will be realized remains uncertain.

On the 4th, the inauguration day of the 21st President Lee Jae-myung, the phoenix flag was raised at the Yongsan Presidential Office building in Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

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President Yoon Sukyeol is visiting the press room inside the Yongsan Presidential Office building in Seoul with the ruling party leadership to mark the first anniversary of his inauguration. Photo by Presidential Office and Yonhap News

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President Lee Jae Myung signaled early on that the "Yongsan era" would be brought to a close. At the Democratic Party's presidential primary debate on April 18, he said, "I think it would be best to use Yongsan (as the presidential office) for now, and then quickly renovate the Blue House and move back in as the next step." Initially, there were many within and outside the Democratic Party who argued that, since Yongsan is so closely associated with former President Yoon Sukyeol, the move should be made directly to the Blue House. However, practical concerns, such as the need for renovations to make up for the three-year vacancy, proved to be obstacles.

Once renovations at the Blue House are complete, the Yongsan Presidential Office is expected to be returned to the Ministry of National Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Although the Yongsan complex is relatively large and equipped with an underground bunker, many have pointed out that it is not suitable as a presidential office. The area has many old buildings and narrow roads, making it unsuitable for hosting foreign dignitaries, and there is a lack of buildings necessary for presidential duties. As a result, former President Yoon often had to shuttle between the Blue House's State Guest House, Sangchunjae, and Nokjiwon when foreign leaders visited.

In contrast, the Blue House, having served as the presidential office for the longest period, is highly valued for its historical and symbolic significance, and is also efficient because the presidential office and living quarters are located together. Unlike Yongsan, there are fewer traffic and security issues related to the president's commute. However, since the Blue House was fully opened to the public in 2022, there is a need to strengthen security facilities and carry out renovations. Considering the relocation of the underground bunker and various facilities and equipment, the establishment of operational systems, and staff training, the process is expected to take several months.

President Moon Jaein is answering reporters' questions after delivering a special national address on the third anniversary of his inauguration at the Blue House Chunuchugwan on the morning of the 10th. Photo by Yonhap News

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Above all, until the Yoon Sukyeol administration, the Blue House was regarded as a "symbol of power." Many presidential candidates, including former Presidents Roh Moo Hyun and Moon Jaein of the Democratic Party, pledged to relocate the presidential office as a means of breaking from authoritarianism. President Lee Jae Myung is also expected to accelerate the move to Sejong, even if he first relocates to the Blue House. President Lee has also announced a pledge to build the National Assembly Sejong Hall and the Sejong presidential office within his term.

Government Sejong Complex. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

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The issue is feasibility. Unlike Yongsan, Sejong is not in Seoul, so opinions are divided. Another obstacle is the Constitutional Court's 2004 ruling that the Special Act on the Construction of a New Administrative Capital under the Roh Moo Hyun administration was unconstitutional, citing the "customary constitution" that Seoul is the capital. Some argue that for President Lee to fulfill his pledge, a constitutional amendment explicitly designating Sejong as the capital or administrative capital must be completed. If this process is required, relocation within Lee's term cannot be guaranteed.

The Democratic Party is expected to first pursue the completion of the Sejong administrative capital through a special law without constitutional amendment. Unlike 20 years ago, the Government Sejong Complex has been completed and public perception has changed significantly, so the Constitutional Court may not rule the special law on the administrative capital unconstitutional again. Democratic Party General Election Committee Chair Kim Kyungsoo also declared before the election, "I am confident that the next Democratic government will complete the Sejong administrative capital."