President's Busan Market Visits Spark Election Interference Accusations from Opposition Party

President Lee Jae-myung visited Busan's Jagalchi and Namhang markets on consecutive days, interacting with citizens as part of his 'Sea Day' event. During his visit to Namhang Market, he purchased blueberries and onions using traditional market vouchers and had lunch with his staff at a market restaurant.

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Stop election interference.

The visits drew sharp criticism from the People Power Party, which accused the president of election interference. Party co-election leader Song Eon-seok questioned the appropriateness of Lee enjoying a meal at Jagalchi Market amidst a tragic overpass collapse in Seoul that resulted in three deaths. He argued that the president, as the ultimate security chief, should not be solely focused on the election.

This is not the first time President Lee has visited local markets after regional events. He previously visited the Gimhae Oedo Traditional Market after attending the memorial for former President Roh Moo-hyun in Gimhae. He also visited the Dongnemun-dong slum in Seoul and the Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, as well as the Nammokseong Market in Ulsan and the Moran Folk Five-Day Market in Seongnam.

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No matter how desperate the election is, is it normal for the president to have a feast of raw fish at Jagalchi Market when three citizens died in a tragic accident of the Seoul overpass collapse?

Meanwhile, President Lee is set to hold a press conference at the Cheong Wa Dae State Guest House on June 8th to commemorate his first anniversary in office.

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Should the president, the final person responsible for national safety, be solely focused on the election?