“Silly Fake News,” Says President Yoon on Allegation that He Had Drinks with Han Dong-hoon in Cheongdam-dong

President Yoon Suk-yeol answers questions from the press on his way to work at the Office of the President in Yongsan on October 28. Office of the President press photographers

President Yoon Suk-yeol spoke on the alleged gathering for drinks in Cheongdam-dong with Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon, mentioned by Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Kim Eui-kyeom and said, “Instigation with such base and silly fake news is ignoring the people, and frankly, (inappropriate) to even mention...,” on October 28.

On Friday, the president met with reporters on his way to work at the Office of the President in Yongsan. When a reporter asked about the allegation, the president gave the answer, asking reporters for other questions. President Yoon continued and said, “Any mention of such things coming from the president’s mouth itself is a problem related to our national prestige.”

As for the press coverage that South Korea decided to provide weapons to Ukraine, President Yoon said, “On the matter of Ukraine, we have worked along with the international community in a peaceful and humanitarian way and have never supplied weapons of destruction, and this is strictly a matter of our sovereignty.” He maintained our existing position, drawing the line when it came to providing weapons while approving humanitarian aid. The president further said, “We are working to maintain a peaceful and good relationship with all countries in the world including Russia.” Earlier, Reuters reported a warning by Russian President Vladimir Putin on October 27 (local time), that if South Korea provided weapons to Ukraine, it would destroy South Korea’s relationship with Russia.

President Yoon made an opening comment before receiving questions from the press and mentioned the Presidential Advisory Council on Science and Technology scheduled to meet this day. He said, “We need strong leadership from the government on national strategic technologies.” He also said, “Advances in science and technology come from the freedom and creativity of the private sector, but the development of national strategic technologies is possible when the government has the leadership and provides strong support.” He continued and said the government, with the Presidential Advisory Council on Science and Technology at the center, would present a very systematic and consistent strategy for the country’s future industry, one where science was clearly separated from politics.”

The president shared his assessment of the emergency meeting on economic affairs and people’s livelihoods, which was broadcast live for 80 minutes the previous day, and said, “Instead of the government pulling from the front as in the past, the government will do everything it can to help by connecting businesses from behind so that they can earn more money, create more jobs, and not be intimidated by the high interest rate. It was a meeting urging all government ministries to work like an industry ministry.”