Overview
- Cheong Wa Dae confirmed a roughly 90-minute news conference this week that will be split into two parts covering politics and foreign affairs, then policy and the economy.
- The office says about 150 local and foreign reporters will attend, questions will be taken on any topic, seating will be placed close to the president, and online public comments will be read aloud.
- Lee faces falling approval ratings and recent Cabinet tensions that have increased political pressure, including the withdrawal of Yong Hye-in as a nominee and scrutiny of Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won.
- Officials expect foreign-policy questions on a possible contribution to safeguarding navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, stalled nuclear-cooperation talks with Washington, and negotiations over a reported $350 billion U.S. investment commitment.
- The timing follows a Central Asia summit series and precedes a trip to the United Nations in New York, and the press conference could shape public reaction to pending appointments and the outcome of U.S.-Seoul negotiations.