Tensions Rise Between Lee Jun-seok and President Yoon

On the 31st, Lee Jun-seok, a member of the Reform Party, strongly opposed the presidential office's explanation regarding the recorded conversation between President Yoon Suk-yeol and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, which was publicized by the Democratic Party. Lee expressed his sentiments on Facebook, stating 'making excuses and failing to respond properly,' emphasizing the fact that President Yoon was unaware of the communications being relayed to the candidate's associates involving reports from the nomination committee. Given past instances where it appeared President Yoon sought to oust him, Lee sharply criticized Yoon's current attempts at justification. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party summoned an urgent press conference, interpreting the released call records as relating to remarks made by President Yoon concerning nominations ahead of the 2022 by-elections. In response, the presidential office claimed it had never received related reports from the nominations management committee and had not issued any nomination directives. This entire incident highlights the increasing political tensions between the Yoon administration and Lee Jun-seok, drawing significant attention to the evolving political landscape.