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South Korean President's Deep 'Folder Bow' Sparks Debate on Policy Flexibility
🇰🇷 South Korea /Elections & Politics

South Korean President's Deep 'Folder Bow' Sparks Debate on Policy Flexibility

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Analysis Sources not specified Context piece
  • South Korean President Lee Jae-myung's deep bow to Samsung and SK group chairmen at a state event has drawn attention.
  • The gesture, described as a "folder bow," was seen by some as an unusual display of deference from the president.
  • The event focused on major national projects, with the president praising the business leaders.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung's exceptionally deep bow to Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong and SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won at a recent state event has sparked considerable discussion. The gesture, likened to a "folder bow" due to its depth, was interpreted by some observers as a striking display of respect and deference from the nation's highest leader.

The 'saikeirei' (most respectful bow), bending more than 45 degrees, is used to express the deepest gratitude or apology to someone. What we commonly call a '90-degree bow' or 'folder bow' is at this level.

— Article TextExplaining the significance of the deep bow performed by President Lee.

The "folder bow," or "saikeirei" in Japanese, involves bending the body deeply, with angles exceeding 45 degrees, signifying profound gratitude or apology. President Lee's bow, reportedly bending as far as his physical flexibility allowed, was notably deeper than typical greetings. This act occurred during a national report session for "Three Mega Projects for Korea's Great Leap" at the Cheong Wa Dae State Guest House.

The president's surprise bow, considering the spinal flexibility of someone in their 60s, was an unprecedented display of courtesy.

— Article TextDescribing the physical extent and unusual nature of President Lee's bow.

While the president lauded the corporate leaders as "national heroes" and "state heroes," the gesture was met with mixed reactions. Some critics dismissed it as mere "performance" or a calculated move to address controversies surrounding potential state benefits for a 800 trillion won semiconductor project in the southwestern region. However, others recognized the symbolic weight of the top leader expressing such profound respect towards business figures, suggesting it carries significance beyond a simple photo opportunity.

Some dismissed it as a showy performance or a response to the controversy over the 800 trillion won semiconductor special treatment for the southwestern region.

— Article TextPresenting critical interpretations of the president's gesture.

The article contrasts this "folder bow" with the more common "eob-eoba" (carrying on the back) style of presidential interaction, implying a shift in approach. The deep bow is presented not just as a personal act but as a potentially meaningful signal regarding the administration's relationship with major industries and its approach to fostering national economic growth through private sector collaboration.

However, the symbolism of the supreme leader, accustomed to receiving bows, showing such meticulous respect to businessmen, calling them 'national heroes' and 'state heroes,' is by no means insignificant.

— Article TextHighlighting the symbolic importance of the president's respectful gesture.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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