First lady in spotlight for caring image

By Jung Min-ho

While Korea’s President Moon Jae-in is enjoying the buzz about his down-to-earth leadership, his wife has also come into the spotlight for the same reason.

Thousands of internet users, Saturday, shared the photo of first lady Kim Jung-sook walking hand in hand with a woman, surnamed Bae, who demanded the new president resolve her problem in front of their private residence in northwestern Seoul.

Kim, who was busy preparing to move into the presidential office, heard her complaint early in the morning and walked out to see her on behalf of her husband, who was on a hike with journalists at that time.

Apparently surprised by the first lady’s appearance, the petitioner stumbled over her words. Kim took the woman by the hand and offered her some ramen at her house.

A few minutes later, Bae walked out of the gate with cup noodles ― and a big smile. Speaking to reporters, she said she turned back at the doorstep because she did not want to bother the first lady anymore.

The complaint was about property damage, which Bae claimed occurred 12 years ago during the expansion construction of the Incheon International Airport railway.

“When I tried to complain about it four years ago in front of the private residence of former President Park Geun-hye, I was taken to a police station immediately,” Bae said. “But it was different this time.”

She said she is glad that the first lady paid attention to her story and said she will not come back.

The episode has apparently taken many people by surprise, especially after four years under Moon’s jailed predecessor Park, who was criticized for her “aloof and autocratic” leadership.