Lee skips scheduled luncheon with firefighters due to mild illness
President Lee Jae Myung speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the presidential office in Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap
President Lee Jae Myung on Wednesday skipped a scheduled luncheon with firefighters due to fatigue and a mild illness, a senior presidential official said.
Instead, Kang Hoon-sik, the presidential chief of staff, hosted the luncheon on behalf of Lee, the official said.
During a Cabinet meeting Tuesday, Lee asked for understanding over his hoarse voice, saying he had caught a cold.
Lee had recently maintained a packed schedule, traveling to Malaysia for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit on Oct. 26-27, then heading directly to Gyeongju to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering and a series of bilateral summits without rest until Sunday.
A presidential official said the president was expected to resume his work as usual starting Thursday, adding the schedule change was due to accumulated fatigue and physical strain.
"President Lee has always said not to worry since he was born with good health and stamina, but he is still human and makes one wonder how he endures such a rigorous schedule," Kang said in a Facebook post following the luncheon.
Kang explained that the president had to focus on a range of issues, including the APEC summit, tariff negotiations with the United States and discussions on Korea's bid to develop nuclear-powered submarines during the past week.
"The president was always unwavering in the midst of fast-changing circumstances, but after delivering a budget speech to open a new era yesterday, it seems now is the time for a recharge," Kang said.