Video Conference Held to Address 'NEC Controversy'… "No Disruptions to State Affairs"

[Anchor]

As the repercussions of the situation continue to prolong, President Lee Jae-myung, who is currently on an overseas trip, will hold a video conference with his Blue House aides shortly. This marks the first time a president has convened a meeting via video link while abroad.

Reporter Kang Cheongwan has the details from Rome.

[Reporter]

President Lee Jae-myung, currently on a tour of Europe, will preside over a meeting of senior presidential secretaries via video conference from Rome, Italy, at 9:00 p.m. today (the 14th), Korean time.

[Kang Yu-jeong / Blue House Chief Spokesperson (on the 12th): (President Lee Jae-myung) plans to personally preside over the senior secretaries' meeting from Italy and receive reports on major state affairs to ensure there is no vacuum in governance during his overseas trip.]

This is the first time President Lee has chaired a video meeting of senior secretaries while on an overseas tour. The agenda is expected to include the "National Election Commission (NEC) parliamentary investigation and institutional improvement plans," the "status of the joint prosecution-police investigation team regarding the ballot paper shortage," and "foreign exchange and financial market trends along with inflation countermeasures."

President Lee has emphasized that there must not be the slightest disruption to state affairs during his trip. A Blue House official explained the background of the meeting, stating, "With the fallout from the ballot paper shortage dragging on and the situation of high exchange rates and high inflation continuing, the President has a strong will to personally oversee state affairs."

As President Lee emphasized the "responsibilities of the ruling party" on social media yesterday, attention is focused on whether there will be any mention of the Democratic Party during today's meeting.

Earlier today, President Lee delivered a speech at a special mass held at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome, officiated by Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik.

[President Lee Jae-myung: I hope we can create a virtuous cycle where peace on the Korean Peninsula leads to world peace, and global solidarity, in turn, strengthens peace on the Korean Peninsula.]

President Lee, who emphasized peace and solidarity, is scheduled to meet with Pope Leo XIV tomorrow to discuss matters including peace on the Korean Peninsula.

(Reported by Jung Sang-bo | Video by Park Seonsu | Graphics by Lee Jong-jung)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.