The Presidential Office has announced that First Lady Kim Keon Hee will not have a designated workspace in the newly constructed second annex office, which is set to be completed early next week. In addition, Kim will not be accompanying President Yoon Suk Yeol on his upcoming trip to South America. These decisions are seen as part of the administration’s efforts to respond to public criticism regarding the First Lady’s role, focusing on limiting her public activities to essential diplomatic engagements, such as meetings with foreign dignitaries, where the presence of the First Lady is deemed necessary.
A senior official from the Presidential Office told Munhwa Ilbo on Friday, “There will be no workspace for First Lady Kim Keon Hee in the second annex office, meaning she will not be regularly working from the Yongsan Presidential Office.” The official added that the second annex is about one-third the size of the former Blue House’s second annex and will only accommodate staff workspaces and a reception room, with a small team of 5 to 7 people, including the director. The office’s construction is expected to be completed by early next week.
This arrangement signals that the First Lady will not be working from the Yongsan office unless she has critical diplomatic duties, such as engaging with foreign leaders. A high-ranking official from the Presidential Office explained that this decision responded to public criticism of the First Lady’s public engagements. The second annex will likely determine which events require her attendance based on diplomatic protocols. In addition, the Presidential Office confirmed that Kim will not be joining Yoon on his South American trip next week.
The newly appointed head of the second annex office, Jang Soon Chil, will oversee Kim’s schedule and manage her communications once the construction is completed. Yoon explained, “Previously, the Presidential Office handled requests related to the First Lady, but given the office’s busy schedule, I believed the second annex could take on these tasks, reducing potential risks.”
Furthermore, following a press conference the day before, Yoon and Kim gave up their mobile phones to prevent unnecessary controversies surrounding personal communications.
In addition to the changes regarding Kim, the Presidential Office has confirmed plans for a Cabinet reshuffle. This decision comes amid calls for personnel changes from figures like People Power Party leader Han Dong Hoon. The Civil Affairs Division within the Presidential Office is said to be speeding up the process of making personnel adjustments for senior aides, including deputy ministers and other high-ranking officials.
As Yoon enters the second half of his term, following the midpoint of his presidency on Sunday, he reportedly focuses on achieving tangible results in four key reform areas by the end of the year. Yoon has instructed his administration to expedite policy implementation and enhance communication to ensure that the public can see and feel the impact of these reforms.