By Oh Young-jin
Staff Reporter
"What got into him?"
This was the question some Koreans had, after finding that the visiting U.S. President Barack Obama had minimized his public exposure during his less than 24-hour visit to Korea, the last leg of his long Asian swing.
Perhaps, it was a strenuous walk along the fortress of the Great Wall in Beijing or a visit to the Forbidden City or a Chinese banquet that offered one too many items on their multi-course menu. Or was he already feeling homesick, having left behind his wife and alter ego ― Michelle ― and his two adorable daughters?
There was no official explanation about why Obama, the 46-year-"young" President with an athletic build from years of playing basketball, hunkered down in a U.S. base, scarcely allowing himself to be shown to the Korean public.
According to news reports, Obama went straight to bed after a few official functions upon arriving in Korea. Instead of staying in a hotel or the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, the usual practice during previous visits by U.S. heads of state, the 44th U.S. President stayed in the U.S. Airbase in Osan.
Even during his motorcade to and from Seoul for his summit with President Lee Myung-bak, it was hard to welcome him. Although it was not unusual, managers of most of the tall buildings located along his motorcade's route were asked to keep their windows closed for security precautions.
Behind the Samsung buildings in downtown Seoul was a large contingent of special police forces being ready to be dispatched for any emergency.
Still, Korean government officials tried their best to make Obama's visit look like business as usual.
One Foreign Ministry official was quoted as saying, "President Obama must be tired because of his prior engagements before arriving."
But apparently he expressed his disappointment, when he added that it was unusual that Obama opted not to use Seoul Airport and, instead, landed at Osan Airbase. Seoul Airport, located inside an Air Force base on the outskirts of Seoul, is used as an official gateway for foreign dignitaries when they arrive and depart from Korea.
Obama had about 15 "free" hours between his arrival in Korea and his meeting with President Lee in Cheong Wa Dae.
If he felt tired, it would be hard to blame him.
He had visited Japan and hopped to Singapore for the APEC meeting before traveling to China. He had a series of meetings with top Chinese leaders, including President Hu Jintao. He also spoke to a selected group of Chinese students in Shanghai, which was not broadcast across the country. During his China stay, he also experienced what some view as the shift from an aging power to a new one.
Although few said it aloud, some Koreans felt sorry about the lack of chances to get to know Obama better. Perhaps, next time.
foolsdie@koreatimes.co.kr
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