▲ President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung wave to those welcoming them as they arrive at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam on the 18th, following their return from the G7 Summit and a tour of Europe.
President Lee Jae-myung, who traveled to Europe to attend the G7 Summit, returned to South Korea today (the 18th) via Seoul Air Base.
President Lee visited Belgium, Italy, and the Vatican in sequence during his 10-day trip that began on the 9th. He then attended the G7 Summit held in Évian, France, from the 16th to the 17th before heading home.
Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, Democratic Party of Korea leader Jung Chung-rae, and floor leader Han Byung-do were at the airport to greet the President upon the conclusion of his diplomatic schedule.
▲ President Lee Jae-myung, who returned home after the G7 Summit and a tour of Europe, greets Democratic Party of Korea leader Jung Chung-rae at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam on the 18th.
When President Lee departed on the 9th, government officials including Prime Minister Kim attended the send-off ceremony, but the Democratic Party leadership, including leader Jung, did not appear.
While the absence had sparked speculation amid the Democratic Party's upcoming leadership race, this time, Prime Minister Kim and leader Jung were seen together to welcome the President.
Meanwhile, President Lee plans to focus on domestic affairs, starting with a meeting of senior secretaries on the 19th to review countermeasures for summer natural disasters.
Other key issues requiring the President's attention include discussions on reforming the National Election Commission, which were triggered by the ballot paper shortage during the June 3 local elections, and the progress of the personnel vetting process for Prime Minister nominee Han Seong-sook.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.