President Yoon Suk Yeol and former President Park Geun-Hye convened for a luncheon at the presidential residence in Seoul, marking their third meeting since Yoon’s assumption of office in May 2022.
The luncheon, lasting approximately two hours and 20 minutes, included the participation of Chief of Staff Lee Kwan-sup and Park’s lawyer, Yoo Young-ha, according to Yoon’s spokesperson Kim Soo-kyung. This encounter is a continuation of the dialogue between Yoon and the former president, emphasizing their ongoing engagement in political discussions and collaborative efforts.
During the luncheon, President Yoon Suk Yeol inquired about the well-being of former President Park Geun-hye, expressing his wish for her to make frequent visits to Seoul. The occasion marked the third encounter between Yoon and Park in the ongoing year.
Presidential spokesperson Kim Soo-Kyung conveyed that the luncheon was a fulfillment of Yoon’s promise to extend an invitation to Park, as discussed during their last meeting at Park’s residence in Daegu the previous month. Their rapport traces back to 2016 when Yoon, then a prosecutor, led an investigative team during Park’s corruption scandal, ultimately resulting in her impeachment, removal from office, and subsequent imprisonment.
Following the luncheon, President Yoon Suk Yeol and former President Park Geun-hye strolled through the garden within the residence compound. During the walk, Yoon shared historical insights, revealing that the house was originally constructed in 1968, commissioned by Park’s father and former President Park Chung-hee, to serve as the foreign minister’s official residence for hosting guests.
The presidential residence, which Yoon currently occupies, formerly served as the official residence for the foreign minister until last year. Yoon made the move to this residence to be in proximity to the new presidential office and relocated from Cheong Wa Dae to the former defense ministry compound after he assumed office.
