By Kim Se-jeong
Staff Reporter
News that a daughter and granddaughter of President Lee Myung-bak are accompanying him on his trip to India and Switzerland has triggered a political debate.
Woo Sang-ho, spokesman of the main opposition Democratic Party accused Lee of taking his family on a junket trip Wednesday.
``Lee has tried to take advantage of his presidential privileges, which is intolerable,'' Woo said, calling for an apology.
Cheong Wa Dae, however, said there was nothing illegitimate about it.
Presidential spokeswoman Kim Eun-hye said the invitation first came from the Indian side, and the two had paid for the trip out of their own pocket.
Kim continued, ``It is not unusual for presidents to bring their family along on their visits.
``For example, former U.S. President George W. Bush came to Korea in 2008 with several family members.'' The Chilean President came to Korea with his mother, she added.