Ruling Party Leaders' Absence at Presidential Send-off Due to Minimized Delegation, Office Says

The presidential office in South Korea explained that the minimal attendance of ruling party leaders at a send-off event for President Lee Jae-myung was a deliberate decision to keep the delegation small. This measure was taken in consideration of ongoing domestic issues, including the prolonged Middle East conflict and the election commission's handling of recent local elections. President Lee departed on June 9 for a trip to Europe, which includes participation in the G7 summit. The send-off ceremony saw government officials such as Prime Minister Kim Min-seok and Interior and Safety Minister Yoon Ho-joong, along with presidential aides, present. However, key figures from the Democratic Party, including its leader Jeong Cheong-rae and floor leader Han Byung-do, were notably absent. This marks the first time since President Lee's inauguration that the party's leadership has not attended a presidential send-off. The absence has led to speculation within political circles, suggesting it may reflect underlying tensions between the party and the presidential office, possibly linked to accountability discussions following the recent June 3 local elections.

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The presidential office and cabinet personnel, among others, were minimized for the send-off.