President Lee Departs for Europe; Key Party Leaders Absent from Send-off

President Lee Jae-myung embarked on a European tour on Tuesday to attend the G7 summit and conduct state visits, but the absence of key Democratic Party leaders at his send-off ceremony has drawn attention. The president and first lady departed from Seongnam Seoul Airport via the presidential plane.

While numerous officials from the presidential office and the government were present, the Democratic Party's leadership, including its leader Jeong Cheong-rae and floor leader Han Byung-do, did not attend. This contrasts with their presence at previous presidential send-offs, such as during Lee's state visits to India and Vietnam in April.

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The opposition party must use its arrows well, but the ruling party must be a vessel.

In a notable departure from usual protocol, Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum personally attended the send-off. Typically, the Chief of Staff represents the presidential office at departures, and the Prime Minister at arrivals. The presence of Kim, who is widely expected to compete with Jeong Cheong-rae for party leadership in the upcoming August convention, has been interpreted as significant.

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Cursing doesn't make a strong party.

Adding to the intrigue, President Lee's recent remarks at his first-anniversary press conference fueled speculation about internal party dynamics. He stated that the opposition party "must use its arrows well," while the ruling party "must be a vessel." He also commented that "cursing doesn't make a strong party," which many interpreted as a veiled criticism of the party leadership.

The presidential office explained the minimal attendance by stating that the number of officials present was kept small due to ongoing domestic concerns, such as the prolonged Middle East conflict and issues with the National Election Commission's management. However, the president's praise for Prime Minister Kim's leadership in managing the cabinet efficiently, stating "I don't think there has been a cabinet that has achieved so many concrete results in such a short period," further highlighted the perceived internal political currents.

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With truly outstanding leadership, the cabinet has worked towards a single goal without major noise or disruption, running fiercely in the direction I have set. I don't think there has been a cabinet that has achieved so many concrete results in such a short period.